Ander Herrera has admitted that Manchester United were the only club he would leave Athletic Bilbao for.
The Spanish midfielder joined the Premier League outfit this summer in a move thought to be worth around €40m.
And the 25-year-old has conceded that he would have stayed at Los Leones, were it not for Louis Van Gaal’s men.
“I would never have left Athletic if it hadn’t been for a club like United,” he told The Guardian.
“I left a different, unique club, with a special philosophy and incredible people. It’s a club that few of us have had the privilege of playing for and, who knows, but for United I might have been there 10 years.
“But this is the biggest club in England, a new project, new players and a new Coach. Desire too – it’s been 25 years and the players are conscious of that.
“They’re determined to put United back where it belongs.
“I’m 25 and I thought it was the right time. I wasn’t thinking: ‘The train’s leaving, the train’s leaving.’ but United is an opportunity you can’t turn down.”
Herrera then gave the inside track on what actually happened last summer, when rumours were he would join United who were then managed by David Moyes.
“Much more was said than really happened. From my point of view, it’s simple – United made an offer to Athletic, I told the clubs to talk, I would listen and Athletic turned it down.
“United offered a lot of money but not the buyout clause. Athletic said no and that’s it.
“I was happy in Bilbao, so my thoughts were on enjoying playing for Athletic – we made it to the Champions League, so it’s safe to say I enjoyed it and gave everything.
“I understand that there are people who didn’t like me leaving but most understand that this is United.”
