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Schmidt: Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez not looking to leave Leverkusen
The Bayer Leverkusen manager expressed confidence the Mexico star will remain with the Bundesliga side for the coming season.
Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez is unlikely to depart from Bayern Leverkusen this season according to manager Roger Schmidt.
After rough seasons with Manchester United and Real Madrid where he struggled to find playing time, Hernandez had a resurgent campaign with Leverkusen in 2015-16. The forward notched 17 goals in 28 league games and added another nine between the DFB-Pokal and UEFA Champions League.
That has sparked renewed interest in the Mexico international following his transfer from Manchester United last summer, but the Leverkusen boss is confident the club will be able to retain Hernandez’s services.
"Chicha does not look for a new club,” Schmidt told Bild. “The likelihood he stays is very high.
"I don't mind the rumors. In the end, it's a small honor for our work. What is important is to prevent our players leaving us. I know they always like to return [after the summer break]. And I also feel that."
Hernandez reported back to the team Tuesday after spending part of his summer with Mexico at the Copa American Centenario and is looking forward to the campaign.
"I never set a goal of scoring a certain amount, but I want to be as successful as last season!" Hernandez was quoted as saying by Leverkusen's Twitter account.
"I never set a goal of scoring a certain amount, but I want to be as successful as last season!" - @CH14_ pic.twitter.com/8Mr9Kj5TlP — Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) July 20, 2016
Leverkusen qualified for the Champions League this season after a third place finish last campaign. The club plays its first non-friendly of the year on Aug. 21 against Hauenstein in the Pokal.