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Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez is more than happy to stay at Bayer Leverkusen and help the club make an impact in the Champions League according to coach Roger Schmidt. And why wouldn’t he be?
Chicharito flourished in his first real opportunity to start week in, week out in Europe. The Mexican striker scored 26 goals in all competitions for Leverkusen, the most he’s scored since his early days in Guadalajara.
Chicharito’s 17 Bundesliga goals helped Leverkusen finish third in the league, firing them into the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League. His goals inevitably led to outside interest as well, Juventus and Bayern Munich being among the rumored potential suitors for the flourishing 28-year-old.
Chicharito was focused on performing for Mexico at this summer’s Copa America Centenario where he took his El Tri goal tally to 45, one behind Jared Borgetti’s national team record.
He’s now returned to training with Leverkusen, and his manager was quick to dispel any transfer gossip.
“Chica does not look for a new club,” Schmidt said. “The likelihood he stays is very high. I don’t mind the rumors. In the end, it’s a small honor for our work. What is important is to prevent our players leaving us.”
#WelcomeBackChicha pic.twitter.com/PWeFHiTYr6
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) 19 July 2016
Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso started a transfer rumor of his own when asked about Chicharito, saying: “Carlo Ancelotti knows him well from the year they spent together at Real Madrid, but these are questions for the directors. Could he fit in at Bayern? With his quality, without a doubt!”
Bayer Leverkusen begin their Bundesliga campaign on Saturday, August 27th against Borussia Monchengladbach.
(H/T: ESPN FC)
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