Robbie Keane says his willingness to "embrace the culture" of the United States has been the key to his success in Major League Soccer.
The LA Galaxy striker is in fifth season in MLS, having scored 68 goals in 102 appearances. and was named MVP last season while leading his team to the MLS Cup.
Not all European players who make the move to MLS have such success in the league. Former Arsenal winger Freddie Ljungberg failed to truly catch on in two seasons, while former Celtic star Shaun Maloney left the Chicago Fire last month after just 14 games.
But Keane said his secret was accepting the differences between the North American and the European games.
"As soon as you go into a different environment or set-up, you have to throw yourself into it, embrace the culture, knowing things are going to be a little bit different to what you are used to," Keane told Sky Sports ahead of Ireland's European qualifier against Gibraltar.
"I was very lucky at the very start that I had [David Beckham] there. When it was frustrating at times, he was the one who explained it would get better and the difference between the first six months and now is absolutely incredible."
And just as Beckham guided him, Keane said he hopes to do the same for former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, who joined him in Los Angeles this summer.
But Keane also said the Galaxy make the transition to the the U.S. easy.
"The standard of the game, the quality of the coaching, the set up at the Galaxy -- it's second to none," Keane said.
"Stevie has been shocked with how professional everything is, how good the coaching is and how well they look after you."