Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez departs LA Galaxy to sign for boyhood club Chivas | OneFootball

Mexican national team legend Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez has returned to his boyhood club Chivas on a free transfer from LA Galaxy.

The veteran striker returns to Liga MX where his professional career started back in June 2006, as he managed 29 goals in 67 appearances in his first spell with Chivas of Guadalajara.

The 35-year-old was a huge success in Europe after departing Mexico in June 2010 for Manchester United, as he not only bagged plenty of goals but lifted several trophies in the process. Chicharito lifted two Premier League titles with the Red Devils as well as three Community Shields, tallying 59 goals during his time at Old Trafford.

While abroad in Europe, Chicharito also found the back of the net 68 times for Sevilla, West Ham United, Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid. He was also part of Madrid squad that won the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco.

Chicharito spent the last four years with the Galaxy in MLS, notching 39 goals and seven assists in 82 appearances for the five-time MLS Cup winners. His time with LA was cut short after he suffered a season-ending ACL tear in early June 2023, which was a significant blow to the team's chances of turning their season around.

The forward had an undeniable impact on Mexican soccer at the international level, registering 52 goals and 13 assists while also lifting the 2011 Concacaf Gold Cup with El Tri. His 52 goals are second to none on Mexico's all-time goalscoring charts, and he also suited up for his nation at the 2010, 2014, and 2018 World Cups.

Chicharito joins a Chivas side that are in 10th place in the Liga MX Clausura table with just one point from their first two games of the season -- a draw against Santos Laguna and a 1-0 defeat to Tigres.