'Fans are very harsh on him' - André-Pierre Gignac defends Chicharito from criticism by Chivas supporters

One of the highest-level players to have arrived in Mexican football defended Javier Hernández after his level and attitude haven't lived up to expectations since returning to Chivas. André-Pierre Gignac, Tigres' striker, who joined Liga MX in 2015 and has become one of the stars - scoring 219 goals with the club in all competitions - said that Chicharito is unfairly criticized by the media and fans.

"Football isn’t that easy - be careful," Gignac said in an interview with Fox Sports Mexico. "But I’m happy he’s here because he’s going to contribute a lot to the young players at Chivas... You guys are terrible, honestly - sorry, but all of you. You’re terrible with him, yes. It’s not because I want him to be well or anything like that, but the truth is, you’re terrible, you tear him apart.

"He comes to Chivas because he wants to finish his career at the club he loves, where he gave so much when he started. They sold him, he comes back with love and all that, and you guys tear him apart."

Chicharito was welcomed by Chivas and its fans like a star when his return was announced in 2024. The striker was presented in front of a packed Estadio Akron, marking the return of the prodigal son to the club that saw him rise.

After a successful career, he made the leap to European football, playing for high-profile teams such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Sevilla, and West Ham. However, the "star" role has proven too big for the 36-year-old player, who has only managed to score three goals in 31 matches since his return to El Rebaño.

Chicharito has not been the leader on the pitch that Amaury Vergara, the club’s owner, had hoped for when he returned.

The French striker praised Chicharito's career in Europe: "I'm sure he can still help and score goals, but a player who played for Real Madrid, Manchester, Leverkusen, at big clubs, who scored goals everywhere - even at Real Madrid. They can say whatever they want, but you have to score goals and play alongside these monsters. He has a fantastic career, he might be the Mexican with the best career in Europe."

During his time in European football (2010-2020), Chicharito scored a total of 127 goals. The team where the player shone the most was with Manchester United, his first club after leaving Chivas.

Hernández scored 59 goals with the Red Devils, who were then managed by Sir Alex Ferguson. The second club where Chicharito had the best adaptation was Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, where he recorded 39 goals. With Real Madrid, he only scored 9 goals in 33 matches.