MLS: LA Galaxy sign Mexican goal-scoring star Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández as Zlatan Ibrahimovic's replacement

Los Angeles: The LA Galaxy have signed Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, bringing the Mexican star back to North America after a lengthy career in Europe. [caption id=“attachment_6274861” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Javier Hernandez. Reuters[/caption] The Galaxy announced the long-gestating deal on Tuesday for Hernández. The striker will participate in his first training session on Thursday. Hernández is a designated player for the Galaxy and the effective replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who signed with AC Milan this winter after two outstanding seasons stateside. He will also be a compelling rival to Carlos Vela, who won the MLS MVP award last season during a record-setting performance for Los Angeles FC, the Galaxy’s upstart crosstown foes. The 31-year-old Hernández is the top goal-scorer in the history of the Mexican national team, which has a fervent following among Los Angeles’ expansive Latino population. His arrival in Major League Soccer is another boon for the league in its burgeoning competition with Liga MX, Mexico’s top professional division. Hernández has been with Sevilla since last September, appearing in only nine matches while struggling to get consistent playing time in LaLiga. He joined the Spanish club after two seasons with West Ham in the Premiership. Hernández also has played for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen since leaving Chivas in his native Guadalajara in 2010. Hernández’s nickname means “little pea” in English. He is named in honor of his father, Javier “Chicharo” Hernández, who had an 18-year pro career in Mexico.