Herrera: "I like that PSG are one of the most hated clubs in France"
Ander Herrera has said that he is excited by the prospect of playing for one of the most hated clubs in France.
Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera has admitted that he likes the fact that his new club, Paris Saint-Germain, is "one of the most hated clubs in France" and explained that he was attracted by the prospect of joining “a project that is constantly progressing.”
“PSG has the image of a giant! A club that is respected, that is classy. A club where three or four of the best players in the world play,” the ex-Manchester United midfielder said in an interview with France Football.
"I also know that it is one of the most hated in France and I like that.”
The former Athletic Bilbao player acknowledged that some of his main reasons for deciding to move to Paris were his attraction to “the project” under coach Thomas Tuchel, the club’s “classy and glamorous side”, and the “impeccable” manner in which the club initially approached him.
“When you have played for Manchester United, it is difficult to go elsewhere. PSG, they have a project that is constantly progressing,” he said.
“The way that PSG approached me was impeccable. I felt wanted. Thomas (Tuchel) called me multiple times to talk. He is someone who helps players become better. At 29, I still want to improve.”
Herrera ready to play wherever he is needed
The Spain international went on to say that while he is proud to have played for Athletic Bilbao and Manchester United and happy to join the biggest club in France, the club that remains closest to his heart is Real Zaragoza.
“I have always given everything to the clubs I have represented and I represent,” he explained. "But I cannot lie to you: the club of my heart is still Real Zaragoza, who I supported as a child and where I started my career.”
Herrera made the switch to PSG on a free transfer in July, signing a five-year deal after five years at Old Trafford. And the versatile midfielder said that he is willing to play wherever coach Tuchel needs him, as he had previously done for United.
“I’ll play wherever I am needed. I have played everywhere since my career began: as a ‘6’, an ‘8’, a ‘10’,” he said.
“With Mourinho, I also played as a central defender. I even played as a left-back against Everton and as a man-marker on Eden Hazard. Everywhere.”