25 January 2024 , 11:16
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Javier Hernandez has paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson after his former Manchester United manager sent a message to mark what will be the final transfer of his career.
Hernandez has re-joined his former club Chivas, in the Mexican city of Guadalajara, on a short-term deal, having been a free agent after leaving LA Galaxy. The 35-year-old striker came through the youth system with Chivas and played there for four years before signing for United in 2010.
Known by his nickname Chicharito, he played under Ferguson for five years at United, earning the reputation as a super-sub. He contributed 59 goals and 20 assists in 157 appearances for United, helping the club win two Premier League titles.
He is fondly remembered at the club and by his former manager, who took the time to send him a video message after his move back to Mexico was confirmed. “Chicharito, it’s your old boss here,” Ferguson said. “First of all, I want to congratulate you on your return to your old club, back to Mexico where it all started, where I found you and signed you and you were a great, fantastic player for us.
“You’ve had a great career. I think now, when you go back to your old club, you have an opportunity to add to 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.”
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Hernandez was delighted to hear from Ferguson and responded on Twitter : “Boss, there’s no words to describe how much you mean to me. Being able to say I was one of your players is one of my biggest achievements. THANK YOU! And to my other family @ManUtd thank you for letting me be part of your history. Will love you forever. Once a red, always a red.”
Hernandez spent a season on loan with Real Madrid from United and left to join Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, before going on to play for West Ham, Sevilla and LA Galaxy. He spent three years in the MLS with Galaxy, producing 39 goals and seven assists in 83 games – but he still feels a connection with United.
Javier Hernandez has moved back to Mexico (@Chivas)
Hernandez joined Manchester United in 2010 (John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)Hernandez has previously told the UTD Podcast : “ Manchester United is always going to be my team. I’m very grateful for Real Madrid, Sevilla, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham, all of them. I still love them and I’m going to be grateful forever but honestly, I feel it that you’re once a Red, always a Red.
“What I experienced, what I lived, I can say that I was the only Mexican under Sir Alex Ferguson, I scored the last goal under him, I am the only Mexican who has won the Premier League so far. I hope more Mexican players can be in a United shirt, I will love it. But I am the only Mexican who has won the Premier League and then twice and it was the 19th and 20th titles.”