Former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera recently found himself in the middle of a heated exchange with a fan after deciding not to return to his boyhood club, Real Zaragoza, this summer. The 34-year-old Spaniard, who came through Zaragoza’s academy before moving on to Athletic Bilbao and eventually Manchester United, had been linked with a move back to Zaragoza but ultimately signed a one-year contract extension with Bilbao.
This decision did not sit well with one Zaragoza fan, who confronted Herrera while he was out with friends, expressing their disappointment in his choice. The confrontation quickly escalated, with Herrera chasing the fan down the street in response to the criticism he received.
Herrera’s wife, Isabel Collado, later took to Instagram to defend her husband’s decision, blaming Zaragoza for not making a strong enough effort to bring him back to the club. She expressed her frustration at the lack of communication and affection shown by the club, indicating that Herrera was willing to drop down a division to play for Zaragoza.
Despite finishing fifth in LaLiga with Bilbao last season, Herrera had only made 10 league starts and was open to new challenges. Returning to Zaragoza seemed like a viable option, but Collado’s post suggested that the club’s lack of initiative led Herrera to stick with Bilbao.
This is not the first time Herrera has felt let down by a club, as he previously spoke out about feeling undervalued by Manchester United when he left the club in 2019. Despite winning the player of the season award from fans, the club did not offer him a new contract, leaving him feeling disappointed and ultimately leading to his departure.
Overall, Herrera’s recent altercation with a fan highlights the complexities and emotions involved in a player’s decision-making process and the impact that club dynamics can have on their choices. It serves as a reminder of the personal and often challenging nature of professional football and the relationships between players, clubs, and fans.
