Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez has left the L.A. Galaxy following the expiration of his contract, ending his four-year stay in California’s largest city, the MLS club shared on Friday.

‘We are grateful to Javier for his dedication and contributions to the LA Galaxy,’ said head coach and sporting directory Greg Vanney released on the club’s website. ‘In four seasons with the Galaxy, Javier was a passionate leader for our club on and off the field. 

‘We wish him the best moving forward.’ 

Mexico’s all-time leading scorer (52 goals) shared a ‘thank you’ message to Galaxy fans on social media, shortly after his release from the club.

He shared on Instagram: ‘Life becomes exciting when you allow yourself to change and evolve to new challenges. 

‘Thank you to everyone who was involved in my journey these 4 years. Thank you for everything @lagalxy.’ 

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Chicharito, which means ‘little pea’ in Spanish, played 82 times for L.A., bagging in 39 goals and six assists. 

He earned two MLS All-Star appearances in 2021 and 2022 and two Galaxy Player of the Year awards those same years. But, the Galaxy have not been able to reach the MLS postseason with him on their squad in three of the last four seasons. 

Chicharito, 35, is now a free agent & will consider retirement or to extend his career elsewhere

What’s more, is that before tearing his ACL, Chicharito only had one goal in 12 games across all competitions for L.A. this year, showing his struggles in front of goal.

Other than Manchester United, the striker played for Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham United, Sevilla and Chivas, where he was brought up in Guadalajara’s youth system. 

He stated to reintegrated the Mexican national team in March after holding talks with now-departed boss Diego Cocca.