Former Chivas soccer star Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez welled up as he was named an official ambassador for Jalisco in a ceremony at the Guadalajara Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.
Describing the young footballer as “a person that with hard work and effort has converted himself into a national icon,” Jalisco Governor Emilio Gonzalez Marquez confirmed that “Hernandez will be a proud international representative of Jalisco.”
“Thank God I’m a footballer and I don’t have to do this kind of thing every day. I’m very nervous and excited,” said the Guadalajara native, visibly moved at the recognition.
At the age of just 23, Hernandez is already one of Mexico’s most famous exports. The former Chivas striker left Guadalajara last summer to sign for Manchester United, where he has made an indelible impact, adapting to the English game far quicker than anyone could have hoped and scoring 20 goals in his debut season.
In a sport that is not renowned for its positive role models, Hernandez has been widely praised for for his humility and work ethic.
Back in Guadalajara during the pre-season break, he announced, with tears in his eyes, “I have so many things I would like to say, words of gratitude to my family who are here and those who are not here. I want to offer an apology to my family for possibly not being 100 percent as a son, a brother, a nephew, a grandson, or a boyfriend. I was a little selfish in fighting for my dreams, but I hope you are proud of me for everything I have done, because without you I would never have accomplished anything.”
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