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SOCCER

Chicharito: “I saw myself being there, and getting a call up”

The Los Angeles Galaxy captain revealed that he did everything he could to play with Mexico, but the former boss had the last saying.

Update:
The Los Angeles Galaxy captain revealed that he did everything he could to play with Mexico, but the former boss had the last saying.



23/06/2014/MEXSPORT/OMAR MARTINEZ

Estadio: Itaipava Arena Pernambuco, Recife
OMAR MARTINEZMEXSPORT

Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández was a big factor in Los Angeles Galaxy returning to the 2022 MLS Cup playoffs for the first time since the 2019 season. The 34-year-old was in peak form last year and scored 18 goals and provided two assists in 32 regular season appearances, 31 as a starter.

Unfortunately his numbers were not good enough for former head coach Gerardo Martino, who decided to leave him out of the World Cup squad that traveled to Qatar last year. Chicharito was the most in form striker for Mexico prior to the tournament, but since he broke concentration in 2019 during a Nations League game, Martino decided to not call him up again as long as he was in charge.

I saw myself going to this World Cup, and being called up. But due to a coach’s decisions, it did not happen, and I have to respect it. I accepted the decision, but believe me I did everything possible on and off the pitch to be taken into consideration [for the 26-player roster],” said Hernández in an exclusive interview with 90min.

Chicharito is Mexico’s all-time leading scorer with a total of 52 goals in 109 caps and he was looking to make his fourth World Cup appearance. Destiny has it that Mexico had their worst participation in the tournament, failing to make it past the group stage and they only scored two goals in three fixtures.

Chicharito aiming for the 2026 World Cup

“Yes [I can see myself representing Mexico at the 2026 World Cup.] Look, there’s a dude who said ‘imaginémonos cosas chingonas,’ so of course I would say yes. But obviously it requires a lot, how will I get there physically, which is the most important thing,” Hernández told 90min.

“But I think that with the care, with the investment of time and work that I am doing to my body, my mind and my emotions, of course why not. There are many examples of players performing, not only in soccer, but in many sports, who perform at the age of 40 that are extraordinary. So yes, why not. Obviously yes. It will depend on many factors, but my answer is yes.”