Former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez has finished his four-year tenure with the LA Galaxy.



The Mexican star signed a three-year deal with the Galaxy in 2020 after missing most of the 2019 season with an ACL injury in his right knee. After the 2022 season, his team exercised a 2023 option on his contract.



The conclusion of the year marks the end of his contract. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-mls-on-us-tv-and-internet/">MLS</a> club said Friday that they were releasing the forward because his contract had expired. Therefore, the Galaxy have made available a 2024 roster space.



“We are grateful to Javier for his dedication and contributions to the LA Galaxy,” LA Galaxy head coach and sporting director Greg Vanney&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lagalaxy.com/news/la-galaxy-part-ways-with-designated-player-javier-chicharito-hernandez" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said in a statement</a>. “In four seasons with the Galaxy, Javier was a passionate leader for our club on and off the field. We wish him all the best moving forward.”



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/07/12/chicharito-vela-among-mls-all-star-picks-to-face-mexico-stars/">Chicharito</a> also wrote a touching farewell on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CzMh8GDgvgL/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;ig_rid=5f3ffd99-d819-49e9-ae32-735867d1ea23&amp;img_index=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>, where he said, “Life becomes exciting when you allow yourself to change and evolve to new challenges. Thanks to everyone who was involved in my journey these four years.”



<h2>How did Javier Hernandez fare with the LA Galaxy?</h2>



After announcing earlier that winger <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/douglas-costa-unveils-next-dream-club-targets-staggering-return-20231028-WST-465643.html">Douglas Costa</a> will not be returning in 2024, LA now have two available Designated Player slots with the departure of the 35-year-old. Their star midfielder Riqui Puig is the only DP they have left following a disappointing 13th-place finish in the Western Conference and a subsequent absence from the MLS Cup Playoffs.



The 35-year-old had a rough 2023, scoring only once in 12 games in all competitions before suffering an injury in the summer. His last game for Galaxy was on June 7 against Real Salt Lake in the quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. His right knee’s ACL was then torn and he had to have surgery.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="676" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231104_WST_467359_hernan-1200x676.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=676" alt="" class="wp-image-467379" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/hernan-1200x676.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/hernan-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/hernan-768x433.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/hernan.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Life in Major League Soccer was mixed for Chicharito</figcaption></figure>



The forward’s time with the Los Angeles Galaxy was fraught with highs and lows. He was tasked with replacing <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ibrahimovic-to-play-on-as-long-as-possible-for-sweden-20220330-CMS-377619.html">Zlatan Ibrahimovic</a>. However, he will always regret leaving without an MLS Cup.



From 2020 to 2023, he started 71 of 82 games for the Galaxy. He finished with 39 goals and six assists. With 38 goals in 74 games played for the club, he is sixth all-time.



The Former Mexico international played in Europe for 11 years before joining the MLS. He spent time with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham, and Sevilla. At Old Trafford, he won two <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/watch-premier-league-on-us-tv-internet/">Premier League</a> championships, and with Sevilla in 2020, he won the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/europa-league-tv-schedule/">UEFA Europa League</a>.



Before retiring from international play in 2019, Hernandez earned 109 caps for Mexico’s national team. He became the country’s all-time top scorer with 52 goals.



<h2>What next for Chicharito?</h2>



Chicharito did not specify where he would be going next. In the next January transfer window, he will be available to sign with any team he wants.



<a href="https://twitter.com/FerCevallosF/status/1720531245677867413" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fox Sports’ Fernando Cevallos</a> had earlier informed the player that he would be welcome back at Chivas. The Mexican club was where he made his professional debut. There are also rumors linking him to the Monterrey club Rayados de Monterrey.



Photo credits: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire : IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

Chicharito leaves LA Galaxy: What now for Mexican striker?

On Friday, LA Galaxy confirmed that they have released Mexican striker Chicharito after his contract expired

The soccer world was taken aback when Douglas Costa left his club, LA Galaxy, early. 



Recognized for his agility and technical skill on the field, the Brazilian striker chose to leave the American team. However, this decision was clear before his contract was originally set to expire.



It just sparked speculation about his next travel location and his lasting impact on the global scene. Many fans and onlookers were perplexed by Costa’s cordial exit, which he disclosed on social media.



This move is seen by some as a chance to see other places and even secure a return to Europe.



However, others suggest it’s a sign of strained ties or poor performances in LA.



Furthermore, the rumor of a European team expressing interest in Costa for 2024 only serves to fuel the rumor mill.



<h2>How did Douglas Costa fare at his previous club in MLS?</h2>



As Douglas Costa says his goodbyes to LA Galaxy with heartfelt expressions of gratitude and fondness for his teammates, staff, and fans, the question over his next move looms large. 



His legacy at Galaxy might not stand out as the most memorable. This is likely due to the team’s modest performance in the past season. However, it doesn’t define his entire career.



Playing 51 games in all, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/brazil-national-team-tv-schedule/">Brazilian</a> winger scored eight goals and added eight assists for the American team. In the most disappointing season in the team’s history, the squad finished the previous campaign with 36 points. This landed them in 13th place in the MLS Western Conference. Los Angeles Galaxy were thus unable to advance to the 2023 Major League Soccer Playoffs.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231028_WST_465643_costa-1200x670.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-465688" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/costa-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/costa-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/costa-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/costa.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Douglas Costa holds fond memories from his time with Juventus</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What now for Douglas Costa?</h2>



In an interview with <a href="https://www.juvefc.com/douglas-costa-flirt-with-juventus-amidst-report-of-a-possible-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tutto Juve</a>, Costa previously mentioned that he had experienced an incredible time at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a> in a competitive league that was consistently growing each year. 



He stated that no player in the world could reject an offer from the Turin giants, emphasizing that the club held a special place in his heart, and he indicated his willingness to accept their call.



He also expressed his aspiration to see the Old Lady return to their glory days, emphasizing the importance of the club consistently performing at the highest levels. Costa reiterated that it was impossible for any player to decline an offer from them. He also described Juventus as a family and a team of warriors, destined to become champions every season.



Twice this week, the 33-year-old free agent has issued a public plea to his former club, signaling his eagerness to return. 



Costa stated in a special interview that <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1717863233862680674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1717863233862680674%7Ctwgr%5Ee6a559d39fb290c685b018367166fb733ce8e657%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goal.com%2Fen-us%2Fnews%2FDouglas-Costa-Juventus-LA-Galaxy-transfer-MLS-Allegri%2Fblt4c421835bbbeed72" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fabrizio Romano posted to social media</a>: “My desire is totally to go back to Juve, to help and fight with all the players. To bring Juve to the level that the club deserves.



“My agent is in contact with all the clubs that show interest, including Juve. I’d like to have this feeling again [playing in front of Juventus fans], this passion.



“I hope we will be together soon, to fight together for our dreams. I believe this team under Mr. Allegri’s control can fight for everything and I want to be one of his soldiers to win [it] all.”



Photo credits: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire : IMAGO / NurPhoto

Douglas Costa unveils next dream club, targets staggering return

Twice this week, Douglas Costa has issued a public plea to a former club, signaling his eagerness to return

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