Mexico international striker, Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez has joined Spanish side Real Madrid on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United.
Hernandez had grown increasingly frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities at Old Trafford and was looking for a new challenge while the European champions were looking to reinforce their attacking line following the departure of Alvaro Morata to Juventus this summer.
A statement from Real Madrid said: “Real Madrid and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the transfer of Javier Hernandez, who will join the club for the current season”.
The Carlo Ancelotti’s side also have an option of making the deal permanent next season, subject to his performance.
Hernandez expressed delight at the move when speaking at a press conference following confirmation of his move: ‘To wear this jersey is a dream come true for any player in the world.
‘One knows what this club represents. I am delighted to be here.
‘It really motivates you when you know that a big club wants you. The only thing on my mind is to help this club.
‘I am here to give my contribution in order for the club to continue to win titles. I want to thank Real Madrid for giving me this opportunity.
‘I’m going to do my best mentally, physically, in order to help this team improve”.
Real, who lost 4-2 to Real Sociedad in La Liga on Sunday night after selling Angel di Maria and Xabi Alonso, relinquished the fight for Monaco forward Radamel Falcao to United on Monday.
Hernandez, who is under contract with United until June 2016, had been a reported target of Italian champions Juventus and Spanish side Valencia this summer.
He joined United from Mexican side, Guadalajara in 2010 and scored 20 goals in his debut season as United went on to win the Premier League title in 2010-11.
He added another league title in 2012-13 and has scored 37 times in 102 league appearances with over half of those were as a substitute.
The 26-year-old is the fifth-highest scorer for the Mexican national team having struck 33 goals in 66 appearances for his country.
Hernandez is expected to make his Primera Division debut when Real travel to take on Deportivo La Coruna on Sept 20.
He is the son of Javier Hernandez, a Mexico striker who featured at the 1986 World Cup and was nicknamed “Chicharo”, or “pea”, because of his green eyes.
Hernandez moves to Madrid as United wins the race to sign Radamel Falcao from Monaco on a one-year loan ahead of rivals Manchester City, Real and Arsenal.
