Donovan: Fame won't go to my head

The 20-year-old played a major role in the US's very successful 2002 World Cup, and since then has been flooded with offers for TV interviews, magazine shoots and product endorsements.

This included being on the front cover of Sports Illustrated, and the main guest on the David Letterman show.

The Earthquakes star has recently extended his loan from Bayer Leverkusen for another two years, a move that will help Donovan improve on the field.

With soccer fans and critics starting to acknowledge his talent on field, it creates many opportunities off it.

However, while the California native is enjoying life in the spotlight, he assures the fans that he will stay focused on soccer, and will aim to produce the form that has brought him the fame.

"Soccer comes first," said Donovan. "I don't want people to think that I'm not giving my all on the soccer field because of that."

The forward admits he did not expect the attention he has received, but has no complaints over the new lifestyle.

"It's great," he added. "I've learned since I've been part of the World Cup that flying back and forth across the country is just part of it - it's part of the job.

"It is not a burden to be yourself everyday. If someone has to do it and that has to be me, then that is fine."