Former Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has returned to his boyhood club, Real Zaragoza, signing to play for the Spanish third-division side without taking a traditional salary. At 37 years old, the veteran Spaniard left Argentine club Boca Juniors over the summer to rejoin the team where his professional career began, as reported by ouest-france.fr.

Financial Terms and the Mandatory Minimum Salary

While Herrera intended to play entirely without compensation, Spanish league regulations required Real Zaragoza to issue a formal contract featuring a legal minimum salary of 25,000 euros gross per year. Rather than keeping the funds, Herrera announced that he would donate the entire sum directly to the club’s official foundation.

A Career Built Across Europe and South America

Herrera’s extensive CV includes stints with Athletic Bilbao, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Boca Juniors. During his time at Old Trafford, he lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy during the 2016-2017 season. He also reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2020 with Paris Saint-Germain, falling to Bayern Munich.

The Deepening Struggles at Real Zaragoza

The decision to rejoin Real Zaragoza stems from the club’s severe sporting decline. Following a relegation from La Liga to the second division in 2013, the Aragonese club suffered another drop this summer, sliding down to the third tier of Spanish football. In a discussion on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Herrera reflected on the gravity of the situation, noting that the institution is experiencing what is likely the darkest chapter in its history.

Why the Midfielder Refused a Standard Contract

Explaining his motivation to return without financial demands, Herrera emphasized his gratitude toward the club that shaped his early development. Without the opportunities provided by Real Zaragoza in his youth, he stated, a professional career would not have been possible. He added that players carry a responsibility to step forward when a club encounters profound hardship, noting that his accumulated earnings from football eliminate any personal need for additional income.

Looking Ahead to Retirement

As Herrera embarks on this final chapter in the Spanish third division, his stated goal remains focused entirely on helping rescue the club from its current division and restoring it to the professional ranks. When the time comes to step away permanently, the midfielder intends to look back on his career with the satisfaction of having given back to the city and the team where his journey began.