An emotional Ander Herrera broke into tears and had to take a break from an interview when discussing his exit from Manchester United, explaining that he expected more from the club and that his transfer away was 'painful'.
Louis van Gaal signed Herrera for United from Athletic Bilbao in the summer of 2014 and he spent five successful years at Old Trafford, in which he achieved cult hero status thanks to his spirited performances in the centre of midfield.
Herrera won the Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup during his stay in Manchester and supporters were disappointed to see him leave on a free transfer in 2019 to join French giants Paris Saint-Germain on a five-year contract.
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In a candid interview with the club's in-house podcast, Herrera has now opened up about his departure and he spoke about United with great passion, and eventually broke into tears when talking about his 'painful' exit.
“To leave, it was difficult because six months before, five months before, I was expecting that offer for me to stay,” Herrera told United's in-house media. “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.”
Herrera then had to take a break from the interview after his answer in a rare show of raw public emotion from a top footballer.
The 33-year-old is currently on loan with Athletic Bilbao from PSG.
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