JAVIER Hernandez has angered fans following a phone call with his father about his recent transfer to LA Galaxy.
He tells his father during the call that the ‘European Dream’ is over and it is the beginning of his retirement.
Credit: Getty Images – Getty
El Chicharito, as Hernandez is also known, spent the first half of the season at LaLiga side Sevilla but made the move stateside in the past few days.
The Mexican forward has played in Europe for over 10 years.
The 31-year-old broke down when speaking with his father about moving to North America, as he said: ”Everything is perfect dad, it’s only that…well it’s like the beginning of my retirement you?
”We are retiring from the European Dream”.
He has been criticised by fans for likening leaving Europe to retirement.
Columnist for the Athletic Soccer, Will Parchman, tweeted: ”Communicating that you’re giving up on a dream to come to a league that considers you one of its highest profile signings in 25 years practically minute after you sign…it’s just hilarious optics”.
Major League Soccer has for a long time been regarded as a ”retirement league”.
There appears to be a business strategy of bringing European stars into it, who often go on to set records.
The likes of David Beckham, Andrea Pirlo, Thierry Henry, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard ended their playing days in the MLS.
But while infuriating fans just days into his move, there have been some positive reactions to Chicharito’s open conversation with his father.
Former American goalkeeper Hope Solo took to her Twitter in support, describing it as “an honest moment”.
Hernandez though, says his words were taken out of context and he meant to express that it is the beginning of his retirement and that he plans to play for LA Galaxy for many years to come.
He clarified the comments on his Youtube channel, saying: ”It’s so simple. I think all over the world, but [especially] in my country we love and we are like obsessed with drama and excess.
”And so when you say ‘retirement’ it’s like ‘oh, tomorrow he’s going to announce retirement’.
”They didn’t really listen to what I said, ‘the beginning of the retirement. The retirement could last 10 years, you never know”’.
Hernandez enjoyed most of his European success at Manchester United.
He signed for the Red Devils in 2010 from Guadalajara and won two Premier League titles under Sir Alex Ferguson.
He then left the Premier League for Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 and managed 28 goals in 54 games before returning to England and signing for West Ham United in 2017.
Javier Hernandez moved to LA Galaxy after 10 years playing European footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Javier Hernandez enjoys himself during training at the Elite Athlete training complex in Chula Vista
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
