LA Galaxy has come out as a winner in Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez sweepstakes. The Mexican star, who was the target for several MLS teams, confirmed he’s joining Galaxy in a recent interview with LA Times.
Even though Galaxy hasn’t made the move official, Hernandez gave an interview to Times in which he announced the move, calling it: “the right time, the right opportunity.”
“I’m going to be playing,” said Chicharito. “That’s what I want in my life. People are going to say it was because I couldn’t make it [in Europe], but sometimes in football, there are things that are not in your hands.”
According to the 31-year-old, the key factor in his decision was the fact that Galaxy has confidence in him.
“The last two years, the managers decided on giving confidence to other players rather than me,” he added. “And now, the LA Galaxy, the manager of the club and the league, are telling me: ‘Look, Javier, we want to give you all the trust, all the confidence to help us,’ and that’s why I’m taking this opportunity.”
Sports Illustrated previously reported the terms of the deal between Galaxy and Hernandez’s former club Sevilla. The MLS side agreed to pay a transfer fee of $9.4 million while agreeing to a three-year contract with the player. Chicharito will fill the team’s Designated Player spot and is expected to earn $6 million annually. His compensation might increase if certain incentives are met.
After playing with several European clubs, Hernandez joined La Liga side Sevilla in September 2019. However, he failed to carve a more important role in the team, making only nine appearances and scoring once.
