Javier Hernandez impact delights Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen general manager Michael Schade claims his club have hit the jackpot by signing Javier Hernandez from Manchester United in the summer.

The Mexican forward has hit the back of the net eight times so far, four in the Bundesliga and four in the Champions League, but it is his impact off the pitch which has been equally significant for his new club. "He's a legend in Mexico and it's incredible the amount of media interest this has sparked," Schade said at a sponsorship meeting at the club's BayArena home on Monday. He has exceeded all of our expectations, even for the Bayer [holding] company."

Schade explained how he is the 15th most followed footballer in the world on Twitter, and suggested it was not only his club, but the entire Bundesliga that is benefiting from the 27-year-old's global appeal.

Leverkusen have featured in the two most watched Bundesliga matches broadcast by Fox this season, and Schade is convinced this is due to the impact of the former United man. "As an advertising package, he works without any concerns," added Schade.

Hernandez, better known by his nickname 'Chicharito', penned a three-year contract with the Werkself when he joined them from Old Trafford in the summer.