Everton loan signing Landon Donovan is delighted with the way he has settled since arriving from LA Galaxy.
Despite being the United States' all-time leading goal scorer, Donovan's often been questioned as to why he has never taken his talent abroad to play in the World's big leagues in order to further his career.
"There are two reasons I have not left the MLS. One is I genuinely love America. I love playing in America and I really want our league to succeed," Donovan explained to evertonTV. "Some players say it is not as good as other leagues so I am going to take off to play somewhere else. That is fine but for me it is important that 15, 20, 25 years from now our league is thriving. I see the bigger picture in that way.
"The other part of it is that I wasn't ready to be in Europe when I was younger. It is only in the last few years that I would say I have felt ready to do it," he continued.
"That seems weird to people here probably but it took me a while. Maybe a little longer than most to really mature in that way and realise what it is about here."
Donovan revealed the passion coming from the stands is something he has never experienced in his 10 year career and though he had been warned about it, he wasn't prepared for the fans backing.
"The atmosphere completely surpassed what I thought. I guessed if we scored a few goals or were winning they'd be loud, but it was from minute one. They really push you on.
"At points you get a bit tired but then you hear them and it helps you keep going. There are little parts that are still frustrating me and only coming back, my touch and in front of goal. The first two weeks I've felt better and sharper every day and I know there's more to me.
"Everyone from the ushers at the stadium and the people at the club, the players and the manager, the staff and the fans. They all said hi to me and you can tell they all really love this Club. I feel special being around the Club so that makes you want to be a part of it so for me it has been really easy to fit in here."
