Bayer Leverkusen have said that they want Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez to choose between the Copa America Centenario and the Olympics this summer. Chicharito has been absolutely on fire this season for Bayer Leverkusen, and fans of the Mexico national team are hoping he can bring that flame to their tournament hopes this summer.
Mexico are the defending Olympic champions, but they will be looking for some vindication after a poor performance in the Copa America last year, where they failed to get to the knockout stages. Chicharito will undoubtedly be an important part of any success this summer, but if Leverkusen have their way, he may only be eligible for one tournament.
"From our ideal point of view, for the club, it would be ideal if Chicharito played one of the two events, but not both," Leverkusen Sporting Director Jonas Boldt told ESPN Deportes.
Bayer Sporting Director Jonas Boldt Photo: @meLizaestrada | Twitter
Notice how Boldt said it would be "ideal." That implies that Leverkusen won't stand in the way if Chicharito wishes to play in both. However, FIFA has stated that clubs aren't obligated to release over-23 players to participate in Olympic competition, meaning Leverkusen could hold Hernandez if they wanted to.
With the Copa America to be played from June 3-26, and the Olympics from August 4-20, that would leave very little time for Chicharito to rest, never mind take part in preseason preparations. As such, it would not be a surprise to see Leverkusen hold him from the tournament.
This may not have too much of an impact for the team's chances however. Back in 2012, Sir Alex Ferguson forbid Chicharito from playing in the Olympics, citing that he needed a full summer of rest after three years of consecutive competition. Mexico went on to beat Brazil in the final without their talisman. It appears that the same situation may be unfolding in Germany, but one would suspect that Hernandez may be chomping at the bit after missing out on Olympic gold last time.
What do you think Mexico fans? Which is more important: the Copa America or the Olympics? Or are Leverkusen being unreasonable and he should play both? Let the debate commence...
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