Javier Hernandez recalls Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘phenomenal’ impact at Real Madrid and denies he was ‘difficult’ to work with during the Mexican’s season on loan there from Manchester United

• ‘Chicharito’ played alongside Ronaldo during 2014-15 Real Madrid loan spell
• Mexican striker has opened up on the Portuguese star’s ‘competitiveness’ 
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Javier Hernandez has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘phenomenal’ impact on Real Madrid when they played together at the Bernabeu – and denied he was a ‘difficult’ character to work with.

Mexican striker Hernandez, known as ‘Chicharito’, spent the 2014-15 season on loan at Real from Manchester United and so played alongside the Portuguese star in their forward line.

Hernandez, who now plays for LA Galaxy in MLS, scored nine goals for the Spanish club but was overshadowed by Ronaldo’s astonishing 61-goal haul in all competitions that year.

Reflecting on his time in Madrid in an interview with Paramount+, Hernandez said: ‘I always divided it as the first six months being very complicated because I played practically nothing.

‘Some unfortunate injuries arose and I was given an opportunity in the second part, which was extraordinary and unique.

Javier Hernandez has praised Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘phenomenal’ impact at Real Madrid

The pair played together in Real’s forward line during the 2014-15 season when the Mexican star was loaned by Manchester United

‘Chicharito’ celebrates scoring a memorable Champions League goal against Atletico Madrid

The Mexican striker scored nine goals during his second-long loan spell at the Bernabeu

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‘Cristiano was phenomenal in the locker room and also in his way of being.

‘I don’t think I have met or seen a player who has come out to say that Cristiano is a difficult or complicated person.

‘Cris is Cris. We know his personality and competitiveness, but as a team-mate that is one of the things you cannot take away.’

Ronaldo achieved astonishing feats in his nine seasons at Real, scoring 450 goals in 438 matches, and winning the Champions League four times.

After three seasons at Juventus, Ronaldo returned for a second stint at Manchester United but he proved to be a divisive figure in the dressing room after Erik ten Hag dropped him from the side.

Ronaldo was highly critical of the club and his manager in a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan, leading to the mutual termination of his Old Trafford contract.

The 38-year-old duly moved to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he has started the season with 15 goals in 14 matches.

Hernandez is in his fourth season with LA Galaxy and is waiting to see if his contract is renewed.

Friction between Erik ten Hag and Ronaldo led to the Portuguese star’s Old Trafford exit

Ronaldo is now playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and scoring plenty of goals

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