Former Red Ander Herrera has reflected on his final season at Manchester United and how difficult it was to leave the club.
The Spaniard departed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 after five years at United. He left on a free transfer after his contract expired in Manchester and is spending this season on loan at Athletic Bilbao
Herrera was a fan-favourite amongst the Old Trafford faithful due to his non-stop efforts on the pitch, passion to play for the badge and one specific moment at the Etihad Stadium, which is still hilarious to this day.
He lifted the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League throughout his time at the club and was given the prestigious Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award in 2017.
The 33-year-old is a special guest on next week’s UTD Podcast that will air on Monday, December 19, and a snippet has been released of Herrera getting emotional whilst reflecting on his memories in Manchester.
Herrera breaks down United departure
In a video released this morning by MUTV, he was asked about his exit by the hosts and responded: “To leave, it was difficult because six months before, five months before, I was expecting that offer for me to stay. I don’t want to, it’s not the moment to talk bad about anyone and I am not going to do it, but after my third season with the club I expected a little bit more from the club at that time. I got the Player of the Year award by the fans and the club didn’t call me that summer to sign a new contract, and they did with other players. That was painful for me, honestly.
“I think I deserved it and they didn’t do it. After, the conditions changed because I was not happy with that little moment with the club. People go through the club but the club and the badge stays the same, so I could never say one bad word about the club because I am so, so thankful.
“But that was a little bit painful. At the end of the third season, three titles, Player of the Year, and they didn’t call me in the summer so I was feeling a bit down. And after, they called me when I had one year left on the contract and the things, they were not right for me. I fight for the club until the last day, no problem at all, I respected my contract until the last day. But they didn’t come at the right moment in my opinion, and in my agent’s opinion, and in my family’s opinion as well.”
He then broke down in tears when describing a picture taken with his daughter when leaving the stadium for the final time.
Footage courtesy of UTD Podcast.