World Cup 2014: Mexico striker unhappy with 'super sub' label

Manchester United striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez rarely lets much slip these days when it comes to interviews, but he made it clear on Thursday that he is not at all happy at starting the World Cup on the bench for Mexico.







“I’ve never seen myself as a sub and I don’t like being one,” Hernandez told reporters in Natal, where Mexico faces Cameroon on Friday. “And, believe me, I am tired of a lot of people seeing me that way, as a super sub.







“I’m a player that has made a difference as a starter."







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The interview came just after Mexico manager Miguel Herrera had announced Giovani Dos Santos in his starting lineup for El Tri’s opener, relegating Chicharito to the bench, something that was unthinkable even one year ago.



 



But the striker will not be causing problems within the squad, instead he will support the players on the field and hope to make the most of any opportunity.



 



“If they give me 15 or 20 minutes, I want to make it clear that my desire is to play,” he stressed.



 



Hernandez’s situation with Mexico has started to mirror that at Old Trafford, where the signing of Robin Van Persie in 2012 stunted his playing time.



 



For Mexico, Herrera has continually hinted that Peralta is his number one striker.



 



Hernandez, however, is not giving up and is determined to make an impact for his country.







“I’m not going to get down,” he said. “There are dreams I want to achieve and I’m always going to fight for them.”