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Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez Nearly Gave Up His Soccer Career in 2008

Today, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez is world-renowned as one of the deadliest finishers in world soccer. The 23-year-old Manchester United striker nearly quit playing in 2008, according to the Daily Mirror.

"It was about three years ago and I had a lot of questions about whether or not this was the path God wanted me to follow," Hernandez said. 

"I wasn't playing much football, I was being kept in the reserves. I was disappointed younger players were coming through and getting ahead of me, and it really got me down, even away from football."

The then 20-year-old Hernandez was playing at storied Mexican club Chivas de Guadalajara. He was in his third professional season and his playing time was limited to the odd-token appearance. 

"I talked a lot with my parents, my grandparents, my sister and my girlfriend about my situation, and they helped me realise that this is what I was meant to do. I know now that I'm a very lucky guy and I'm glad I made the decision to keep playing. That experience taught me a lot."

It was in early 2009 that Hernandez finally became a regular at Chivas. Within a year he was entrenched in the starting 11 and had made his debut for Mexico. 

Hernandez joined the Red Devils before the 2010 World Cup for £7 million ($11.2 million). He was a big hit in his first season in English soccer and recently signed a new contract that ties him to the club for five years. 

Photo via Flickr/Catatan Bola Photo Gallery