'Chicharito should hang up his boots' - Mexico legend Cuauhtémoc Blanco offers advice to struggling Chivas star Javier Hernández

Mexican legend Cuauhtémoc Blanco has sent a tough but candid message to Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, who continues to endure a difficult spell since returning to Chivas. The veteran striker has scored just three goals in 35 appearances and has played only 19 minutes so far in the Apertura 2025, as El Rebaño remain stuck near the bottom of the table.

“I don’t like to criticize, but I think he should - like we used to say back in the neighborhood - throw his boots up on the power lines and leave them there, he should retire. These days, young players are faster and better prepared. With all due respect, I think Chicharito should hang up his boots and give the youngsters a chance,” Blanco said.

The former América icon admitted that such a decision is never easy for a player of Hernández’s stature, but insisted that every career has an expiration date.

“It’s tough for everyone. Retiring is complicated because what you really miss is the locker room, the friendships, the stories, the jokes. But eventually you reach a point where you say, ‘That’s it, I can’t anymore,'" Blanco explained.

Blanco, who also played in Europe with Real Valladolid, nonetheless recognized the remarkable career Chicharito has built, highlighting his spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid, West Ham, and other clubs.

“He did incredible things in Europe, but you also need to know when it’s time to step away. You can see he’s struggling. In my opinion, he should retire while he still can. He scored plenty of goals with Madrid and United, but ultimately, the decision is his to make,” Blanco said.

Chivas picked up a 2-1 win over León in a friendly match played in Chicago over the weekend. Javier “Chicharito” Hernández started and logged 73 minutes, while Cade Cowell found the net to score one of the goals for the red and whites during their U.S. tour.

Chivas now turn their attention to the upcoming Clásico Nacional against América in Matchday 8 of Liga MX next Saturday. While Las Águilas sit second in the table with 17 points, El Rebaño remain in the bottom places with only four points to their name.