Hernandez breaks down in tears over LA Galaxy transfer
... but angers fans by saying it’s ‘beginning of retirement’
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.
El Chicharito @CH14_ más orgánico… Le duele y mucho dejar la alta competencia del fútbol europeo tras 10 años y sabe que puede ser el principio del fin de su
carrera.
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”.
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.
Read Also:Javier Hernandez joins LA Galaxy from Sevilla
”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”’.