It’s a new start for Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, who officially signed a three-year contract with the LA Galaxy on Tuesday. He’s leaving Sevilla for more playing time and to be closer to his family in Mexico, but he has complicated feelings about it.

A camera was there when Chicharito called his parents to tell him about his move to Los Angeles, and he was emotional as he bared his feelings about the start of a new phase in his career.

One of the key phrases Chicharito used during the call with his parents was “it’s like the beginning of my retirement.” Major League Soccer has been trying to fight that perception for years, but that doesn’t make it any less true or real to Chicharito, who is obviously trying to come to terms with not just his present, but his future, which isn’t as distant as it once was.

Through Chicharito’s tears — both happy and sad — his mother knew just what to say to him.

It’s rare for any athlete to allow fans to see them be this raw and honest about their career. Athletes like Chicharito don’t often admit weakness, ambivalence, doubt, or sadness to the public, but those are the emotions we feel when we end one phase of our lives and start another. Chicharito is letting his fans see the real him (complicated emotions and all), and it’s brave.

Chicharito seemed much happier on Thursday when he was welcomed to Los Angeles by his new team and hordes of thrilled fans.

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