Former Manchester United hero Javier Hernandez was in tears as he told his parents of his move to LA Galaxy, calling it “the beginning of my retirement”.
Hernandez this week became the highest-paid player in the MLS when he switched from Sevilla to LA Galaxy on a three-year contract.
The Mexico striker joined United from Guadalajara in the summer of 2010, becoming a fans’ favourite and scoring 37 goals in 103 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils before joining Real Madrid on loan in 2014.
Hernandez went on to have spells at Bayer Leverkusen and West Ham before joining Sevilla in the summer.
Now the 31-year-old, who has scored 52 goals in 109 appearances for Mexico, is set for a new phase of his career as he prepares for life in Major League Soccer.
And in a video documenting his move to the US, Hernandez can be seen crying on the phone to his parents as he tells them of his latest transfer move.
“I wanted to speak to you guys because the thing is about to get done,” Hernandez said while wiping away tears.
“It’s almost certain that I’m going to LA. It’s okay, everything is perfect, it’s only that, well it’s like the beginning of my retirement.”
Although his father interjected, Hernandez continued with his argument, saying: “Dad, try to understand me.
(Image: PA)
“Don’t worry – look, what I mean is that we’re saying goodbye to a career that we put a lot of effort on and we worked, and I know you guys also feel it.
“We’re going to look at the bright side, but whether we like it or not we are retiring from the European dream.”
Hernandez won Premier League titles with United in 2010-11 and 2012-13, as well as the FIFA Club World Cup with Real Madrid in 2014.
With Mexico he won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2011 and the CONCACAF Cup in 2015.
