As Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez’s first season with the LA Galaxy shifts out of first gear, the forward is eying a return to Mexico’s national team.
El Tri, coached by former Atlanta United boss Tata Martino, will play two friendlies later this month in the United States against European sides the Czech Republic and Greece. The first match is set for March 26 at Bank of America Stadium, the future home of Charlotte’s MLS team, and the latter clash is scheduled for March 29 at AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.
Asked if the door is open for a possible return, Hernandez reiterated “yes” during a recent TUDN interview.
“I have always said it in every interview that I have given. I am still open [to that possibility],” Hernandez said. “Even Tata has said it. If I am well and he decides to call me up because I am at a good level, he’s more than welcome.”
Hernandez, 31, is Mexico’s most prolific striker on the international scene with 52 goals in 109 appearances. He’s featured at three FIFA World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018) and helped El Tri win the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2011 and 2015.
However, Hernandez earned just three caps for Mexico during 2019 as he struggled for regular minutes at West Ham United and Sevilla. His last appearance for El Tri came Sept. 9 against the US men’s national team, when he scored the opener in a 3-0 win at MetLife Stadium.
Whatever the future holds, Hernandez seems at peace with his international career’s direction.
“What is true, and I have said that in another interview is that when I feel it is no longer convenient for me to keep playing for the national team, I’ll call it quits a happy player,” he said. “Right now everything is open. What’s gonna happen? I don’t own the truth, I don’t have a magic wand."
