Ander Herrera Returns to Roots, Playing for Zaragoza Without a Salary

Ander Herrera has made a heartfelt return to Real Zaragoza, his childhood club, after a remarkable career spanning 15 years and multiple prestigious teams. The 37-year-old midfielder, who spent time at Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Boca Juniors, is now set to compete in the Spanish third division, a far cry from his recent experiences in high-stakes matches.

Reflecting on his return, Herrera emphasized the significance of this move, stating, "This is probably the last dream that I wanted to make come true." He expressed deep gratitude toward the club that nurtured his development both as a player and as a person. "To come back home, to the place where I grew up, that gave me the opportunity to be professional - not only in football, also as a human being," he added.

During his illustrious career, Herrera has collected a host of accolades, including the Europa League and FA Cup, and has played under renowned managers like Jose Mourinho and Thomas Tuchel. However, he is now focused on helping Zaragoza regain its former glory after a decade of decline, which saw the club relegated from La Liga and struggling in the second tier.

"Real Zaragoza belong to Europe, they belong to compete for trophies," Herrera lamented, acknowledging the club's disappointing trajectory. He aims to use his experience and passion to help turn things around, preferring to focus on future potential rather than past failures. "Let’s build on the future. Let’s come every day to training with a smile," he encouraged.

Remarkably, Herrera has chosen to play without a contract, opting instead to donate his salary to the club's foundation. "I don’t need a contract. I have a very successful career. I can give this present to myself," he explained, highlighting his desire to support the team and city that shaped him.

His connection to Zaragoza runs deep; his father, Pedro Herrera, was a player and general manager at the club, and young Ander watched with pride as Zaragoza triumphed in the 1995 Cup Winners' Cup final. "You can now see the difference between Arsenal and Real Zaragoza - but we used to fight against those giants," he reminisced.

As he embarks on this new chapter, Herrera is also contemplating his future beyond playing. He has expressed an interest in mentoring young players, sharing insights from his own journey. "I like to work with young players. I like to see the development and the process," he said, emphasizing the importance of patience and long-term thinking in football.

With aspirations to help cultivate the next generation, Herrera acknowledges the impact of modern pressures, particularly from social media, on young athletes. He believes that the rush to succeed can often lead to mistakes. "Social media is making us live too fast in every aspect of society," he noted, advocating for a more measured approach to development.

As he steps onto the pitch for Zaragoza, Herrera remains committed to leaving a positive legacy, both as a player and potentially as a future coach. His journey back to Zaragoza is not just a return to his roots but a chance to inspire others within the club he loves.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk