Ander Herrera: The reason Real Zaragoza plays for free
Ander Herrera returns to Real Zaragoza for free and decides to donate his salary to the benefit of the club, wanting to help young people.
Ander Herrera: The reason to play for free at Real Zaragoza
According to Bbc.
Background
Ander Herrera has returned to his boyhood club after 15 years, a turning point in his career. Experience at Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Boca Juniors will help him bring his skills to Zaragoza.
Why this matters
Ander Herrera has reached an important stage in his professional career by returning to his boyhood club Real Zaragoza. The 37-year-old wants to share his experience in league pro football and help youngsters. This is an important moment in Zaragoza's history, especially since their successes in the past have been few and far between.
Key Points
- Ander Herrera: Reason to play for free at Real Zaragoza.
- Ander Herrera returns to Real Zaragoza for free and decides to donate his salary to the benefit of the club, wanting to help young people.
- Ander Herrera: Why the midfielder is playing for free at Real Zaragoza - BBC Sport.
Ander Herrera's last match was at La Pomponera Stadium when he played for Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores. Currently, he is set to play in front of around 6,500 fans against Spain's third-tier side Giremastic de Tarraco. But Herrera says returning to Real Zaragoza on a free from Boca Juniors is more important than anything in his career.
"This is my last chance to fulfill my dreams," he told BBC Sport. "Returning to my hometown, the place that gave me professional sports reign - it's very important to me. I still have the passion, the desire, the love for football - the opportunity to do this in my home is the best way to end my career.
Herrera has returned to his boyhood club after a 15-year stint - which includes Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Boca. The 37-year-old has won the Europa League, Efo Cup and several league titles and played under Jose Mourinho, Thomas Tuchel and Marcelo Bielsa. But Zaragoza's successes have been few and far between in the past. Zaragoza were relegated from La Liga in 2012-13 and have been at the bottom for 13 consecutive years since Herrera left the club in 2011.
"It's definitely a big loss for us," says Herrera, "Real Zaragoza belongs to Europe, it's there to win trophies and fight with the biggest clubs in Spain and Europe. I want to help my team with my talent, experience and passion. But, from the first day I arrived, I didn't want to talk too much about the past.
"We talk too much about what went wrong in the past. It always plays magic in our minds. We cry about what happened in the past. We control the future!"
When Herrera left Zaragoza in 2011, he said he wanted to return one day. Now, he has returned to the club at a very challenging time - and has decided to donate his salary to Zaragoza's charity.
"I don't need a contract. I've had a successful career. I've taken care of my money," said Herrera. "I'm giving myself a gift now. To wear that shirt... for free, because I wanted to help my club, my team, my city. It makes me proud."
He is proud that he got such an opportunity.
"I love working with young people," he says. "I want to see their growth and process. I want to help them avoid the mistakes I made.
"Football will be a part of my life after my playing days are over," he said.
Herrera talks about his football development on the field and looks at a list of top coaches.
"Already I have seen many of the top coaches in Spain," he said. "If I have a desire, I will gladly approach every stage of my life."
Ander's professional football journey continues, but for now, he is making sure that Real Zaragoza are back on top.
"At every point in my life, I've had great moments," he said.
"I am very proud to be back in my hometown and to see success here".
What happens next
Herrera is set to play a match against Giremastic de Tarraco, which will be the start of his new journey. Zaragoza, as a League Pro club, is now trying to reach the top again in its history. In the future, he is expected to use his experience and play an important role in the success of the team.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ander Herrera return to Real Zaragoza?
Ander Herrera has returned to Real Zaragoza on a free from Boca Juniors.
What was the result of the last match between Real Zaragoza and Boca Juniors?
Ander Herrera's last match for Boca Juniors was in the Copa Libertadores.
What is the current status of Real Zaragoza?
Real Zaragoza are currently Spain's third-tier team after being relegated from La Liga in 2012-13.
Which match will Ander Herrera play for Real Zaragoza?
He is going to play against Giremastic de Tarraco.
When is Real Zaragoza's next match?
Real Zaragoza's next match will be against Giremastic de Tarraco.
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