Mexico striker Javier Hernandez has, by his own admission, endured a difficult 2014 and couldn’t control the tears after he netted Mexico’s third in the team’s 3-1 victory over Croatia on Monday.
“They were tears to try to connect me with all my people, all my family, my loved ones, all of those whom surround me, as well as myself,” said Hernandez after the game.
Hernandez went on to explain that the goal – coming exactly a year and a day since his last for Mexico – was proof that he hadn’t lost confidence in himself, but admitted it hasn’t been easy for him recently.
Asked about what he thought of when he scored the goal to take him clear as Mexico’s third-highest ever goal scorer on 36, Hernandez’s answer revealed plenty about what is going on inside, even if he doesn’t always articulate it to the press.
“(I thought) of the few people who have blindly trusted me, what I’ve not had this year,” said the 26-year-old Manchester United striker. “Few people know that not many have trusted in me.”
Manchester United congratulated its player on the club’s official Twitter account, although there have been plenty of rumors linking him with a move elsewhere this summer.
#MEX into the last 16 after beating #CRO 3-1. @CH14_ came off the bench and scored the third goal. Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/YTHbuzd3t1
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 23, 2014