Ander Herrera has said that he "expected a little bit more" from Manchester United in the latter stages of his time at the club, as he opened up on his "painful" departure in the summer of 2019.
The midfielder moved to Old Trafford from Athletic Bilbao in 2014, and he spent five successful years with the club, making 189 appearances, contributing 20 goals and 27 assists in the process.
Herrera was not offered a new deal by the Red Devils despite his status as an important player, with the former Spain international moving to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
The 33-year-old is currently back on loan at Athletic Bilbao, making seven appearances for the Basque outfit during the 2022-23 campaign.
Herrera has now opened up on his exit from Old Trafford in an emotional interview.
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"To leave, it was difficult because six months before, five months before, I was expecting that offer for me to stay," Herrera said on the UTD Podcast.
"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.
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"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 won the FA Cup, EFL Cup, Community Shield and Europa League during his time at Man United, while he has won two Ligue 1 titles, two Coupe de France trophies and one Coupe de la Ligue since arriving in Paris.
The Spaniard played 132 times in the Premier League during his time with the Red Devils, scoring 12 goals and registering 17 assists.
Matt Law
