Ander Herrera returns to boyhood club Real Zaragoza to play for free

Former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has fulfilled a lifelong dream by returning to his boyhood club, Real Zaragoza, and has committed to playing for free. After a distinguished career that included stints at Athletic Club, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Boca Juniors, the 37-year-old Spaniard has chosen to come home to help the struggling Spanish club.

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This is probably the last dream that I wanted to make come true. 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.

Herrera's decision to play without a salary stems from his deep emotional connection to Zaragoza, a club that shaped his early career. "This is probably the last dream that I wanted to make come true," Herrera told BBC Sport. "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."

Real Zaragoza is currently navigating one of the most challenging periods in its history. Relegated from La Liga in 2013, the club has since fallen into Spain's third tier after years of struggle in the second division. Herrera acknowledged the pain of witnessing the club's decline but is focused on contributing to its resurgence. "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."

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It has been so sad, of course, for all us Zaragozistas. Real Zaragoza belong to Europe, they belong to compete for trophies, to be fighting with the biggest clubs in Spain and in Europe.

Motivated by a desire to give back, Herrera will donate his salary to the Real Zaragoza Foundation. "I don’t need a contract. I have a very successful career. I have taken care of my money," he explained. "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." He emphasized that his decision is driven by pride and a sense of privilege to assist the club that holds such significance in his life.

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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.

Herrera's father, Pedro, also played for Zaragoza and later served as its general manager, deepening the midfielder's ties to the club. His earliest football memories include watching Zaragoza defeat Arsenal in the 1995 Cup Winners' Cup final. Now, he aims to leverage his experience and passion to help Zaragoza climb back to the level he believes it deserves, focusing on rebuilding rather than dwelling on past struggles.

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I don’t need a contract. I have a very successful career. I have taken care of my money. 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.