At a time when Manchester United need a striker, a club cult hero clinched an emotional return to one of his former sides.
Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez sealed his return to Mexican club Chivas, the team where he began his career, before later going on to join Guadalajara, and then Manchester United.
The Hernandez deal was one of Manchester United’s most inspired under Sir Alex Ferguson, with the striker playing a key role in the team instantly wrestling the Premier League title back from Chelsea in 2010/11.
He is a free agent after his contract at LA Galaxy expired at the end of 2023, and is now back in Mexican football for the first time.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2024, ins, outs, loan moves
Sir Alex Ferguson message to Chicharito
The transfer deal was an emotional one for Hernandez. ‘The Little Pea’ is now 35, and this is a chance for him to give back to his former side.
Manchester United recognised how big a moment this was, releasing a pre-recorded message from Sir Alex Ferguson himself.
Ferguson said: “Chicharito, it’s your old boss here. First of all, I want to congratulate you on your return to your own club, back to Mexico.
“Where it all started, where I found you, where I 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’ve an opportunity to add 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.”
It was genuinely fantastic to see this, with the old boss looking well in himself too, at the age of 82.
Chicharito responds to Sir Alex Ferguson
Chicharito appeared genuinely bowled over by this public message from Fergie, issuing a response to the great man.
He wrote on X: “Boss, there’s no words to describe how much you mean to me. Been 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.”
David de Gea reacts
Former Manchester United teammate David de Gea reacted to Chicharito’s move to Chivas.
He sent him a short message on Instagram, writing, “Vuelta a casa”, which reads simply ‘back at home’.
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