Report: Herrera picks Atlético Madrid over Inter Milan
Atlético Madrid look to have won the battle for the Mexican midfielder as his contract expires with Porto and he lines up a move.
Héctor Herrera, Porto's Mexican midfielder, is heading for Atlético Madrid once the season ends. As explained on 8 March that the 28-year-old was very close to reaching agreement with the club with his contract at the Portuguese side expiring on 30 June.
There has been plenty of interest in Herrera with some of Europe's biggest clubs after his services but on Monday, O Jogo report that instead of Inter Milan, who were also close to his signature, he will move to Atlético Madrid. He will sign with Atlético for five years and the decision has been made with the Serie A side fully aware of the development.
Herrera, asked not to be included in Mexico's national team call-up as he ties up the loose ends that will see him get his Portuguese passport. In Portugal, you need six years living in the country to acquire the nationality and Herrera reaches that milestone in the summer. That also helps as he will arrive at Atlético with a European passport in his back pocket and will not take up a non-European place in the squad.
Porto knocked Roma out of the last 16 of the Champions League and are fighting with Benfica for the league title. Herrera, captain of the side, is a physical player and is just the kind of midfielder that Diego Simeone wants and needs in his side.