It’s never easy when you have to follow in the footsteps of greats. That’s the case for Chicharito, or Javier Hernandez Balcázar, whose father Javier and grandfather both represented Mexico in a World Cup. The 28-year-old Mexican soccer player was born into the soccer world, but just because he had great role models to look up to, didn’t mean everything was going to be handed to him in a silver platter.
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This time around Chicharito is playing for Mexico in Copa América rather than the Olympics. “It’s not only my decision. It’s like 50-50, the decision. The federation wants me to go to Copa América and I decided to go to Copa America. Not because I don’t want to go to the Olympics. It’s because it’s the best for…my club, for me and for the federation,” he said to Latin Times. He wanted to play in the London Olympics 4 years ago, but the Manchester United refused to release him, but this time around he’s choosing not to go.
Four years later, things are different because he’s more mature, more experienced. “I like to breathe, eat and talk about football,” he says. Three of the things that have keep him grounded are faith, confidence and patience. Not to mention the support from his family, which he’s always had by his side.
We’re looking forward to watching him play at Copa América this Sunday, June 5, against Uruguay!