Share

I have nothing to prove - Hernandez

London - Bayer Leverkusen forward Javier Hernandez insists he has nothing to prove as his side prepares to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The Mexico international is expected to spearhead his side's attack at Wembley Stadium against an in-form Tottenham side.

The 28-year-old dismissed suggestions that he needed to score against Mauricio Pochettino's side to prove a point, highlighting his impressive goalscoring record with Manchester United.

"When I left I had the fourth [best] record in history of minutes and goals in the Premier League," he told reporters. "That's what I had at United.

"I also left a lot of good friends and memories in the Premier League. In all parts of life things can be better or worse but I enjoyed it a lot.

"I got a lot of experience and now I am at one of the best teams in Germany. I am doing my best, enjoying the best thing I love in my life, which is football, so I am very glad and very happy," he added.

'Chicharito' as the player is affectionately known, netted 59 goals in 156 games, with an impressive strike rate of 37 goals in 103 matches in the Premier League - equating to goal in approximately every 130 minutes.

Hernandez also spoke about the opposition, saying that Tottenham's form comes as no surprise as they have a good coach and good players.

"It doesn't surprise me because they have a very good process, a top trainer in Mauricio Pochettino and they have kept a lot of good players," he added.

"Sooner or later I thought Tottenham would be, if not winning the title, in the top four and the Champions League. It doesn't surprise me.

"We see them as one of the toughest teams in Europe definitely. We play offensive styles, with pressure against the opposition team.

"It is a tough match but we are focused and if we can stop them and play our own game, we have a big chance to win the game," Hernandez concluded.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE