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Former Manchester United striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez has been released by Los Angeles Galaxy after his contract with the MLS team expired. The 35-year-old will now be without a club heading into the new season, having not featured in a competitive game since June.

Hernandez endured a difficult season in MLS after sustaining an ACL injury in his right knee. The forward suffered the injury in a US Open Cup quarterfinal tie against Real Salt Lake City and was forced off after just 27 minutes, causing him to miss 19 league games.

The game against Salt Lake would be his last in a Galaxy shirt, ending his four-season spell at the team, which saw him score 39 goals and register six assists in 82 games. The news of his departure was announced via the club in a statement from LA Galaxy head coach and sporting director Greg Vanney.

“We are grateful to Javier for his dedication and contributions to the LA Galaxy,” the statement read. “In four seasons with the Galaxy, Javier was a passionate leader for our club on and off the field. We wish him all the best moving forward.”

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A post shared by Javier “Chicharito” Hernández (@ch14_)

Following the news, Hernandez took to Instagram to post several pictures of his time at the club. “Life becomes exciting when you allow yourself to change and evolve to new challenges,” the caption read. “Thanks to everyone who was involved in my journey these 4 years. Thank you for everything @lagalaxy”

The Mexican striker joined the MLS team following brief spells at Sevilla, West Ham United, Bayer Leverkusen and a loan spell at Real Madrid. The majority of Hernandez’s games came during the five years he spent at Manchester United.

Hernandez scored 59 goals in 157 appearances for the Old Trafford team under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson, where he would win two Premier League titles and the English Super Cup.

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Following this season’s injury, Galaxy went on to finish 13th in the Western Conference and miss out on a place in the playoffs. The team registered just eight wins, 12 draws and 14 defeats to leave them one place above the Colorado Rapids at the bottom of the table.

His departure means the club will have to find a new captain, with Hernandez having worn the captain’s armband since joining the team in 2020. Galaxy will also have a designated player spot free for the upcoming 2024 season which is due to start in Jan. or Feb. next year.

The team also parted ways with Brazilian winger, and former Juventus and Bayern Munich player, Douglas Costa. The 33-year-old was also released following the end of his contract having scored just eight goals in 51 appearances for the team. Costa won three Serie A titles and three Bundesliga championships in his career but is now a free agent.

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