Javier Hernandez, the former Manchester United striker known as Chicharito, bid an emotional farewell to European football last year when he joined LA Galaxy. The Mexican forward, who scored eight goals against Chelsea during his time at United and nine overall in 15 appearances against the Blues, broke down in tears while informing his parents of his decision to leave Europe.
Hernandez announced his retirement from the European dream in a tearful phone call, saying: "It's almost certain that I'm going to LA... it's like the beginning of my retirement." His father briefly interjected, but Hernandez continued: "We're saying goodbye to a career that we put a lot of effort on... we are retiring from the European dream."
Hernandez's record against Chelsea was remarkable. He opened his Manchester United account against them in the 2010 Community Shield, scoring an unorthodox goal off his own face in a 3-1 win. Later that season, he scored the winner in the Champions League quarter-finals and netted after 36 seconds in a Premier League title decider at Old Trafford.
After leaving United in 2014, Hernandez returned to English football with West Ham in 2017. He scored just three minutes after coming off the bench at Stamford Bridge to snatch a 1-1 draw, denting Chelsea's title hopes. Reflecting on his record, he said: "Sometimes I keep scoring... for example, against Chelsea."
Hernandez, who joined United from Mexico as a teenager in 2010, quickly became a fan favourite. Sir Alex Ferguson compared him to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, saying: "The last player I remember making an impact as quickly is Ole. Javier reminds me of Ole."
