Héctor Herrera makes promise on Houston return: ‘Things did not end in the best way’

After a year away, Héctor Herrera is back in Houston.

The 105-cap Mexican international spent three seasons with the Houston Dynamo from 2022-2024, guiding the team to a U.S. Open Cup triumph in 2023.

Herrera was allowed to leave the team following the expiration of his contract in 2024 and he was expected to see out the remainder of his illustrious career in Liga MX. But after just one year with Toluca FC - winning both the Clausura and Apertura titles - Herrera has opted for a return to MLS.

On Thursday, Herrera appeared in front of the media in Houston for the first time in over a year. Although clearly eager to be back, he was also forced to address the unsavory nature of his exit.

Herrera out to make things right in Houston

During an MLS Cup playoff game in 2024, Herrera was shown a red card for spitting in the direction of a referee after an angry exchange. Houston were eliminated from the postseason and the Dynamo opted to release him.

Addressing his Houston exit on Thursday, Herrera said: “I think the story between the club and me did not end in the best way, or as I had wanted.”

“The impression that it gave was not me, Héctor. Obviously that is one of the things that has motivated me to return, to close that chapter correctly.”

“I think this is a big club, in a great city, with the ability to compete at a high level in MLS.”

From the club’s perspective, Herrera’s return should be a major boost after a difficult 2025 season. With a career that has taken him to Porto and Atletico Madrid, Herrera brings a level of quality that was lacking in Ben Olsen’s squad at point last year.

“As a team, we are all thrilled that Héctor has rejoined the Dynamo ahead of the 2026 campaign,” Olsen said. “Héctor is a strong teammate, leader and winner, proven by the success he has helped cultivate at every stop of his career.”

“He returns home to a place he loves reinvigorated and will strengthen the squad’s standards every day as we look to make our city proud.”

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