Ex-Man Utd & Real Madrid striker rejoins first professional side 14 years after last appearance

Former Manchester United hero Javier Hernandez has rejoined his first club Guadalajara nearly 14 years after his last appearance for the side.

The striker left Guadalajara, nicknamed Chivas, in 2010 to sign for United and went on to make 157 appearances and scored 59 goals, while he also won two Premier League titles and started in a Champions League final during his time at Old Trafford.

It was confirmed on Wednesday that the Mexican has rejoined Chivas, who began their 2024 domestic season earlier this month.

“ChivaBrothers, it's official! Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández returns to the team of his loves for Clausura 2024,” the club revealed via their website. “We are convinced that his affection for the institution, the experience acquired during his successful career and the leadership that characterize him will be reflected in this new stage with Chivas.

The press released went on to describe Hernandez as a ‘genius’, adding his ‘finishing is fantastic’. “Beyond the off-field issues in which he will add all his experience and leadership, Javier Hernández has things that do not expire: individual quality and interpretation of the game.”

Meanwhile, Hernandez wrote on social media: "My house, my family, my team, my everything. See you soon!"

The 35-year-old joins on a free after being released by LA Galaxy in November following the ACL injury he sustained last year. The decorated forward also enjoyed spells at Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham United and Sevilla, winning the Europa League with the latter in 2020.

As well as success on the club stage, Hernandez is Mexico’s all-time top scorer and won North America’s Gold Cup in 2011.