After an impressive debut season in which he scored 20 goals, Tapatio soccer star Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez has been rewarded with a pay rise and contract extension at English club Manchester United.
Crushing rumors of a 50 million-dollar move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, the striker’s agent announced on Thursday that he has signed a new five-year deal thought to be worth around 120,000 dollars per week.
Hernandez, 23, made his name at local club Chivas de Guadalajara, before stunning the Mexican press when he signed for United, one of the world’s biggest and wealthiest clubs, in April 2010.
Bought for around 11 million dollars, this little pea proved exceptional value for money in the inflated world of European soccer. The Guadalajara native soon forced his way into United’s starting lineup and his goals proved pivotal in helping the club to its record 19th league title.
“We have renegotiated Javier’s contract and he is now committed for five years with Manchester United,” confirmed the player’s agent, Eduardo Hernandez. Although yet to be announced officially by the club, Hernandez’s new contract places him among Manchester United’s higher bracket of earners.
“I will not talk about numbers,” said his agent, “but it is a fixed salary with incentives based on the team’s success in each of the different tournaments. Javier was not badly paid with his initial contract, but it was his first contract and, with respect, not comparable with the likes of Wayne Rooney and Nani. But today I can say that the contract has just been signed and everyone is satisfied.”
Hernandez was something of an unknown quantity when he arrived at Old Trafford, with his compatriots Carlos Vela and Giovani Dos Santos having failed to adapt well to English football in recent years.
With his quality now proven, United were eager for the young striker to sign a new deal, thus securing his future at the club and pushing up his market value.
“The initial contract was good for Manchester and for Javier because it enabled them both to see if they could fit together and if he could achieve what was expected of him,” said his agent. “Both sides have met their expectations and United were happy to reward Javier after his very good performances last season.”
The player’s representative played down talk of a move to Real Madrid. “It was never likely that Javier would leave. Talks began some time ago and United came up with a very good offer and I have nothing but praise for the way they have recognized Javier's performances.”
In his second season at the club Hernandez has so far scored two goals in seven games, although his appearances have been limited by a spate of injuries after some rough treatment from the Premier League’s defenses.
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