Former Manchester United striker Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, 35, leaves LA Galaxy after tearing his ACL in June, as Mexico’s all-time leading scorer says ‘thank you’ to fans
- The 35-year-old striker will consider retiring or extending his brilliant career
- He scored 39 goals and six assists in 82 games for the Galaxy in four years
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Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez has left the LA Galaxy following the expiration of his contract, ending his four-year stay in California’s largest city, the MLS club announced on Friday.
“We are grateful to Javier for his dedication and contributions to the LA Galaxy,” head coach and sports guide Greg Vanney said on the club’s website. “In four seasons with the Galaxy, Javier was a passionate leader for our club both on and off the pitch.
‘We wish him the best for the future.’
Chicharito – a Manchester United favorite during Sir Alex Ferguson’s final years as Red Devils manager – tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in June this year. He will now assess whether he will continue playing at the age of 35 or retire.
Mexico’s all-time top scorer (52 goals) shared a ‘thank you’ message to Galaxy fans on social media shortly after his release from the club.
He shared on Instagram: ‘Life becomes exciting when you allow yourself to change and evolve into new challenges.
‘Thank you to everyone who has been involved in my journey these 4 years. Thanks for everything @lagalxy.’
Chicharito, which means ‘little pea’ in Spanish, made 82 appearances for LA, scoring 39 goals and six assists.
He earned two MLS All-Star appearances in 2021 and 2022 and two Galaxy Player of the Year awards in those same years. But the Galaxy have failed to reach the MLS postseason with him on their roster in three of the past four seasons.
Chicharito, 35, is now a free agent and will consider retiring or continuing his career elsewhere
What’s more is that before he tore his ACL, Chicharito had just one goal in 12 appearances in all competitions for LA this year, showing his struggles in front of goal.
In addition to Manchester United, the striker played for Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham United, Sevilla and Chivas, where he grew up in the Guadalajara youth system.
He declared in March that he had reintegrated into the Mexican national team after talks with now departed boss Diego Cocca.
