Herrera waives £5,500-a-week wage at Real Zaragoza to repay boyhood club's faith

Ander Herrera is playing for free at Real Zaragoza, donating his £5,500 weekly wage to the club’s foundation as the Spanish side battle to climb out of the third tier of Spanish football. The 35-year-old midfielder, who earned £22m during five years at Manchester United and a further £31m at PSG, rejoined the club where he began his career after Zaragoza were relegated from professional football in May.

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, Herrera was candid about his reasons for making the gesture. “I have a lot to thank to this club, to these people,” he said. “Because without Real Zaragoza, I would probably never been a professional player. And now, in a difficult moment of the club, I think we all, we the fans, we have the responsibility to help the team and the club.”

Herrera, who described himself as not just a professional player but a genuine football fan, said his financial security made the decision straightforward. “I feel so proud about what I have achieved in terms of football and also in terms of money. So, I don’t need it. I wanted to play for free. I wanted to help for free. At home, my city, where I grew up.”

The 37-year-old also spoke about the longer view, saying he wants to look back on his career with pride once retirement arrives. “I think we also have to give something back to football. And one day, probably soon, when I am retired, I want to feel proud of what I have done during my career.”

Zaragoza’s fall from professional football came after a decade of financial mismanagement and legal scandals, including a match-fixing investigation. The six-time Copa del Rey winners have made a strong start to life in the Primera Federación, however, sitting top of Group B with five wins from their opening seven matches.