Bayer Leverkusen executive denies Javier Hernandez was signed for publicity

Bayer Leverkusen chief executive Rudi Voller has dismissed suggestions that Javier Hernandez was brought to the club for marketing reasons.

The Mexican was signed from Manchester United on Germany's transfer deadline day for a fee thought to be around €10 million.

Hernandez's arrival at Leverkusen sparked an unprecedented amount of activity on its Twitter page and the surge of interest for his introductory news conference took the club's server down.

"We did not sign him for marketing reasons," Voller told German sports weekly Sport Bild via Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN FC.

A 1990 World Cup winner with West Germany, also famed for his curly mullet and participating in a rank spitting battle with Frank Rijkaard during his career, Voller has not embraced modern technology.

"To be honest, I am not interested in clicks on the Internet or follower numbers from the social networks. That's just not my world," he said.

Hernandez, who wears the nickname Chicharito on the back of his shirt, was signed for what he delivers on the pitch.

"When you can't control the ball at high speed, (you) will never arrive at the top," he said. "Twitter or Facebook friends won't help you. And Chicharito has the skills on the pitch that will help us."

Despite a modest trophy cabinet, Voller is not surprised that Hernandez opted to join Roger Schmidt's side.

"We've played in the Champions League in four of the last five seasons, and are an international brand. Word gets around, and Chicharito clearly said that he wants to join us because we play good football and are a Champions League regular," Voller said.

Hernandez is poised to make his Champions League bow for Bayer Leverkusen against BATE on Wednesday.