Why I am playing for free at boyhood club – Herrera

Ex-Man United midfielder Ander Herrera says returning to his boyhood club Real Zaragoza and playing for free is a dream come true as he looks to help the Spanish side rebuild their fortunes.

The 37-year-old midfielder has returned to Zaragoza after 15 years away, joining on a free transfer from Boca Juniors.

Herrera began his professional career at Zaragoza before going on to play for Athletic Club, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Boca Juniors.

Despite enjoying a successful career that included the Europa League, FA Cup and several league titles, Herrera says coming home is one of the most meaningful moves he has ever made.

“This is probably the last dream that I wanted to make come true,” Herrera told BBC Sport on Thursday.

“To come back home, to the place where I grew up, that allowed me to be professional – not only in football, also as a human being.”

Zaragoza are currently going through one of the most difficult periods in their history. The club were relegated from La Liga in 2013 and, after years of struggling in the second division, have now fallen into Spain’s third tier.

Herrera admits it has been painful to watch the club’s decline but says he wants to concentrate on helping them move forward.

“It has been so sad, of course, for all us Zaragozistas,” he said.

“Real Zaragoza belong to Europe, they belong to compete for trophies, to be fighting with the biggest clubs in Spain and in Europe.”

“I want to put my quality, my experience and my passion to try to help my team to come back where I think we belong.”

The midfielder has also decided to donate his salary to the Real Zaragoza Foundation rather than take a wage from the club.

“I don’t need a contract. I have a very successful career. I have taken care of my money,” Herrera said.

“I can give this present to myself. To put that shirt on… for free because I wanted to help my club, my team, my city.”

Herrera said the decision was motivated by his deep connection with Zaragoza and his desire to give something back to the club that helped shape him.

“It’s something that I wanted to do. It’s something that I can do and it’s something that makes me feel so proud to be able to be here just to help.”

“I’m not thinking about money or contracts. I feel privileged to be able to do that.”

Herrera was a passionate Zaragoza supporter before becoming a first-team player. His father, Pedro, also played for the club and later served as its general manager.

The midfielder’s earliest football memories include watching Zaragoza defeat Arsenal in the 1995 Cup Winners’ Cup final — a competition he later won himself during his career.

Now he hopes his experience can help Zaragoza return to the level he believes the club deserves.

Rather than looking back at the years of decline, Herrera wants the club to focus on rebuilding.

“Since the first day I came, I don’t want to talk too much about the past,” he said.

“We have been talking too much about what we have done wrong.”

“Let’s stop crying about what happened in the past. Let’s build on the future. Let’s come every day to training with a smile.”

For Herrera, returning to Zaragoza is about more than ending his playing career. It is an opportunity to repay the club that gave him his first chance and helps restore its place in Spanish football.

“In Spain, we say closing the circle,” he said.