News24
24 Jan 2020, 11:43 GMT+10
United States - Javier Hernandez admitted Thursday his career had entered the retirement phase after signing with Los Angeles Galaxy, but stressed his playing days were far from over.
Speaking at a press conference, the Mexican international striker insisted his move to Major League Soccer after a decade in Europe was motivated by a desire to prolong his career.
"I just want to play and this league is giving that opportunity," said Hernandez, who is set to become the highest-paid player in MLS after inking a three-year deal with the Galaxy.
"I'm one of the best players around the world and that's why they want me to be here to try to increase this league ... " the 31-year-old said.
Hernandez had raised eyebrows after comments in a video blog published online earlier this week where he discusses his move to Los Angeles with his father.
"Everything is okay, everything is perfect dad, it's only that, well it's like the beginning of my retirement, you know?" Hernandez remarks wistfully.
Later in the video Hernandez says that while he expects the Los Angeles move to be "amazing", he is "retiring from the European dream."
On Thursday Hernandez emphasised that he was fully committed to his new career in the United States, stating he expected to play for many more years.
"I think in all the world and in my country we love and we are obsessed with drama and excess," Hernandez said when asked about his retirement comments.
"So they don't really listen to what I said. It's just the beginning, hopefully it will last 10 years, maybe I will play until I'm 40, maybe play in Australia.
"It's just the beginning of the retirement, but I want to make that retirement as great as I can."
Get a daily dose of Irish Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Irish Sun.
More InformationBANFF, Alberta: The recent G7 summit has convened for the second and final day in the picturesque Canadian Rockies amidst escalating...
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa: A key global plan to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is now in deeper jeopardy after the United...
CALGARY, Alberta, Canada - U.S. President Donald Trump has announced he is leaving the G7 summit after just one day, and after refusing...
HOUSTON, Texas: Crude oil surged to multi-month highs this week, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East after Israel launched...
SEOUL/LONDON: A wave of flight cancellations and diversions swept across the airline industry on June 13 after Israel launched strikes...
WUSHI, Taiwan: Inspired by how Ukraine has used sea drones effectively against Russia in the Black Sea, Taiwan is learning how to use...
DUBLIN, Ireland: Cork's northside and Dublin's north inner city have been ranked as the dirtiest areas in Ireland, according to the...
ZURICH, Switzerland: In a breakthrough that could reshape the future of sustainable materials, scientists at Empa's Cellulose and Wood...
DUBLIN, Ireland: Paul Murphy, a member of the Irish parliament from the People Before Profit-Solidarity party, said he is one of several...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Investor confidence in U.S. markets is showing signs of strain as global funds redirect billions toward Europe...
DUBLIN, Ireland: Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary received a total pay package of 3.83 million euros for the financial year,...
GRAZ, Austria: Austria is reeling after a tragic school shooting in Graz that left ten people dead, including the gunman, and 12 others...