Scoring goals is Chicharito's business, and business is most definitely good. Fans flocked to see Brazilian side Internacional take on Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez’s Bayer Leverkusen in the Flordia Cup this past week. Chicharito duly provided the spectacle they’d been hoping for with a brace and a stunning volley that unluckily crashed off the crossbar.
Chicharito’s fine form, he’s scored 19 goals in 22 appearances for the German side, shows no signs of dissipating over the winter break. The subject of transfer speculation from both Arsenal and Liverpool, the Mexican striker is currently capable of scoring goals anywhere on the planet. Just feed the beast.
The match against Internacional ended in a 3-3 draw, concluding Leverkusen’s participation in the tournament. They’d previously defeated Santa Fe 1—0 in their opening match. It capped an overwhelmingly positive experience for the German club and their prized asset.
Chicharito mania is in full swing in Florida, the Mexican striker having been paraded around Disney World and drawing hundreds of fans to every Leverkusen training session. Chicharito seems to be enjoying the limelight and his time in Flordia. “I’ve always liked the USA,” said Hernandez,”It’s a special country, not just for me, but for every Mexican.”
Chicharito’s family joined him in Florida, including his father, Javier “Chícharo” Hernandez. Speaking with the Bundesliga English YouTube channel, Chicharo praised his son, saying, “he’s had to overcome many obstacles in his career, but he’s shown the character and ability to do so. That’s what counts.”
Chicharito and Bayer Leverkusen return to Bundesliga action on Saturday, January 23, against Hoffenheim. If Chicharito can continue scoring at this rate, it won't be long before he begins climbing the European Golden Shoe standings. At this rate, that might just end up being a pretty lucrative bet.
Not bad for a player that began the year with only a 1% chance of starting.