Spanish newspaper Marca reported, citing El Heraldo de Aragón, that 37-year-old midfielder Ander Herrera has rejoined Real Zaragoza on a free transfer and is donating his salary.

After turning 37 on August 14, Herrera spoke with BBC Sport's Match of the Day about his return to Real Zaragoza. During his five seasons at Manchester United, the midfielder made 168 official appearances and won the Europa League and Community Shield with the Red Devils, making him well-known in English football.

Herrera said: "I've had a very successful career and managed my money well. Now I can give myself the gift of being able to help the club for free during this difficult period."

He has completed his preseason preparation and is in good physical condition. On Sunday, the team will play an away match against Gimnàstic de Tarragona, which will be his official debut since returning to the club he loves. Unlike before, this time the team plays in Segunda Federación, the Spanish third tier, rather than La Liga.

Herrera progressed through Zaragoza's youth academy and was promoted with the first team in the 2008-09 season, joining the senior squad in 2009. He subsequently transferred to Athletic Club for a fee of up to €11.2 million, setting a club record for a youth academy graduate. In 2014, he joined Manchester United for €36 million with a buyout clause, and Zaragoza received €1.4 million in training compensation.

Herrera added: "I'm very proud to return here just to help, without considering money, contracts, or other things. This is the last dream I wanted to achieve—returning to where I grew up, the place that gave me the opportunity to become a professional footballer. As we often say in Spain, it's a complete circle, and I can give myself this gift." After leaving Manchester United, the midfielder also played for Paris Saint-Germain and later returned to Athletic Club. In 2024, he wanted to return to Zaragoza but it didn't happen; he then spent a year and a half at Boca Juniors.

Herrera will donate his entire Segunda Federación minimum salary of €25,000 to the Real Zaragoza Foundation. He has signed a one-year contract with the club, which could be his final professional season, though retirement remains undecided. Going forward, he plans to remain in Aragón's capital and build his life around the team he loves, with coaching also part of his plans.

Herrera concluded: "I still have passion and still have the hunger and love for football. Playing in my hometown is the best way to end my career."

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