Hernandez's transfer admission that detailed his Man Utd status and made him cry

09 December 2023 , 09:30

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Hernandez's transfer admission that detailed his Man Utd status and made him cry

Javier Hernandez is not a Manchester United legend, but a cult hero? He certainly qualifies for that tag.

'Chicarito' as he was affectionately dubbed, was one of those forwards who not only scored goals but worked tirelessly for the good of the team. The former Mexico international would run himself into the ground every week, rain or shine, following his 2010 transfer to Old Trafford from Guadalajara.

There were shades of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about Hernandez, rarely was he the main man, but he often popped up with the most vital of strikes. It was for that reason that there was such sadness around the United faithful when the striker left for Real Madrid on loan before joining German outfit Bayer Leverkusen permanently.

In January 2020, a video emerged capturing the moment Hernandez realised his playing career at the highest level in Europe was over. It came just before his switch to LA Galaxy, where he knew he was off to play football at a lower level than what he had been used to at Old Trafford and the Santiago Bernabeu.

In the clip, Chicharito struggles to hold back tears as he says: "I wanted to speak to you guys because the thing is about to get done. It's almost certain that I'm going to LA. It's okay, everything is perfect, it's only that, well it's like the beginning of my retirement."

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As his father attempts to interject, Hernandez continues: "Dad, try to understand me. Don't worry, look what I mean is that we're saying goodbye to a career that we put a lot of effort into and we worked, and I know you guys also feel it.

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Javier Hernandez has always been a Manchester United favourite

"We're going to look at the bright side, but whether we like it or not we are retiring from the European dream." The tears from Hernandez go some way to highlighting how he held United in the same regard and with the same affection as the fans held him. Once the tears dried, Hernandez did go on to establish himself as a fan favourite in Los Angeles, spending four years there before announcing his departure last month.

He wrote on Instagram: "Life becomes exciting when you allow yourself to change and evolve to new challenges. Thanks to everyone who was involved in my journey these four years."

Josh O'Brien