Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez has dealt with controversy and competition most of his life. The Mexican star was a super sub for El Tri under manager Miguel Herrera’s World Cup team in Brazil, as well as with Manchester United for the better part of two seasons. His bench warming days are so notorious, that Chicharito’s benching has become a trending topic in social media and represented “memes” across the internet.
Last month, Chicharito was transferred from Manchester United where he has spent the better part of three years, to Real Madrid, the reigning UEFA Champion’s League Winner and arguably Soccer’s class of the world. Real is packed with talent at every position, including at striker, Chicharito’s current position. With current Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, sitting atop the depth chart, Chicharito knows he will have to compete with his French teammate if he wants to start for Madrid, something he fully believes he will do.
Speaking with a Spanish Television channel on Wednesday, Chicharito told an interviewer that he didn’t come to the Santiago Bernabéu to sit on the bench again.
“No one will tell you that they train to be a sub.” He said defiantly.
When asked about his competition with current starting striker, Benzema, Chicharito was confident and stoic in his response.
“I’m delighted to have a chance to compete with him. I had to vie with Dimitar Berbatov, Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney at United. Benzema is a goal scorer who also provides lots of assists. He’s a very complete player.”
Chicharito went on to say that he’s confident that he can steal the starting job away from Benzema and earn the respect of his teammates. Earlier this week, Chicharito weighed in on one of soccer’s most contentious debates: who is the best player in the world? Ronaldo or Messi?
“Cristiano is the best in the world.” Chicharito declared. “If they doubt him and Real as a whole, of course they will doubt me (starting) too.”
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