Ander Herrera has thanked the Manchester United supporters in an exclusive interview to mark the end of his five-year stay with the club. The Spanish midfielder, who announced his departure with a personal message on Twitter this morning, joined the Red Devils from Athletic Club in Bilbao in the summer of 2014.
A goodbye message from @AnderHerrera. ? #MUFC pic.twitter.com/z56bmBwXa9
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 11, 2019
He has since made 189 appearances, scoring 20 goals, and could play for the Reds one final time this weekend when we host Cardiff City in the closing Premier League fixture at Old Trafford. Herrera won the UEFA Europa League, the English FA Cup and the Carabao Cup while he was at United.
“Yes… this is a sad moment to be honest because I’ve enjoyed the last five years at this club so much, but I’m here to announce that I’m moving and I will not be a Manchester United player next season. Of course I have a message for the fans because they have been incredible with me. I have so much to thank all of them for – they have given me so much love and support,” the Spanish midfielder disclosed.
“As I said before, this is not an easy day or an easy decision but sometimes in life you have to take decisions. Sometimes the timing is just not right and you have to move on. I don’t want to be sad, I want to thank all the fans for all they have done for me in the last five years. I have enjoyed so much playing for this club, I have felt so privileged to represent this club every time I have done it.”
I could never express enough gratitude ? #MUFC https://t.co/wwqNHFnXE1
— Ander Herrera (@AnderHerrera) May 11, 2019
”Of course the most important thing is the football side of things and I have enjoyed every time I have worn the United shirt on the pitch representing the club, but also outside the pitch. I have felt part of this club when I have travelled all around the world and been recognised as a Manchester United player.”
“And when you’re a Manchester United player you will forever be a Manchester United player. It’s something special. I owe the fans a lot. When you leave such a big club you lose much more than what they are losing. I cannot lie – I wasn’t born a Manchester United fan, but I want everyone to know that a part of my heart will always be a Red Devil.”
“I want to say thank you to everyone and I hope the supporters have all appreciated that I have always tried to represent every single Manchester United fan in the best way, on the pitch and off it; I have tried to involve myself in the community as well and to be at the level that Manchester United deserve. I hope when I come back to see the club and to see the city I will still have the fans’ love and support,” Herrera concluded.