Landon Donovan is back in training at Everton, but can't wait to test himself against Premier League competition. Donovan told Everton.com he feels at home in the blue side of Liverpool, and plans to make the most of his two-month loan stint with the Toffees.
"It feels like coming home and it feels like family. It's an easy place to come to," the L.A. Galaxy star said. From the kit man to the media people, everyone is friendly and happy and they're excited to be a part of this Club. It's infectious. I almost feel like a kid."
Donovan was a big hit when he spent two months with Everton back in 2010. The U.S. international won the club's Player of the Month award in January of that year, and hopes to surpass his feats of two years ago.
His first spell at Everton filled him with confidence. He led the United States to the second round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup that summer, and the Galaxy to the 2010 Supporters' Shield (awarded to the best MLS team in the regular season). 2011 saw the Galaxy repeat as Supporters' Shield winners and add a fourth MLS Cup to its trophy cabinet.
"I feel I've improved as a player since my time here before," Donovan said. "Since then I've played in a World Cup and had another couple of years' experience. So I feel good and I feel more prepared this time for what I'm getting into."
The 29-year-old attacker knows he will not surprise any opponents, as he made a name for himself in English soccer. He is ineligible to play on New Year's Day at West Brom, but should see some game action against Bolton on Jan. 4.
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Photo via Flickr/sophiaegerton
