24 January 2024 , 19:19
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Former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez's football career has gone full circle with the Mexican re-joining his boyhood club Chivas on a short-term deal.
The 35-year-old became a free agent after recovering from a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury with MLS side LA Galaxy last June. "My home, my family, my team, my everything," he posted on social media, with a video attached that confirmed his move. "See you soon!"
Chivas are equally delighted with Chicharito's return to his home country. "We are convinced that his love for the institution, the experience acquired during his successful career and the leadership that characterizes him will be reflected in this new stage with Chivas," the team said in a statement.
Sir Alex Ferguson also sent a heartwarming message to his former striker, in a video message posted by United on X he said: "Chicharito! It's your old boss here. First of all, I want to congratulate you on your return to your old club back in Mexico, where it all started. Where I found you, signed you, and you were great, fantastic player for us.
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"You've had a great career. I think now, when you go back to your old club, you've an opportunity to add your experience and give your experience to all the players there. So, regards to your family, have a great time, and more goals to come!. All the best"
Chicharito left Guadalajara to join United in 2010, where he scored 59 goals in 157 appearances. During his time at the Red Devils, the striker also won two Premier League titles and was a Champions League runner-up in 2010.
He also had a loan spell at Real Madrid between 2014 and 2015, scoring nine goals in 33 appearances while also lifting the Club World Cup. After returning from Spain, Hernandez joined German side Bayer Leverkusen in a permanent transfer and over the next two years, he put himself back in the shop window for a move back to the Premier League with 39 strikes in 76.
West Ham, who had not long moved to the Olympic Stadium, were in desperate need of a big name, and took a chance on Chicharito under former Premier League-winning Manuel Pellegrini in 2017. However, the team struggled to provide the potent poacher with adequate service, seeing him score just 17 times for the Hammers in a frustrating spell.
Chicharito had successful spells in Europe and America (Getty)In August 2019, Hernandez returned to Spain to play for Sevilla. His spell only lasted until January 2020, though, heading to the MLS to play for LA Galaxy. Despite his departure, Hernandez picked up a Europa League winners' medal for 2020 after Sevilla defeated Inter Milan.
His time in LA was among one of his more fruitful spells in club football. Hernandez was still fit and firing into his 30s, netting 39 goals in 83 appearances, with only his time at Leverkusen providing a better goals to game percentage (51%).
However, a torn ACL in June last year ended Hernandez's season and left the striker visibly devastated as he got stretchered off. Hernandez's first game back in Chivas' colours in unknown at this point.
Chivas find themselves in 10th in the Liga MX after two games. The club are yet to win a game this season and will be hoping Hernandez can change their fortunes.