Ander Herrera breaks down in tears and ‘walks out’ of Man United podcast while talking about having to leave the club

Former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera broke down in tears and then walked out of an interview after recounting his departure from the club.

Herrera was fan-favourite during his time in Manchester, making 189 appearances and playing over 12,000 competitive minutes in total.

He was also part of squads that won the FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League across five seasons at Old Trafford.

After United chose not to renew his deal in 2019, Paris Saint-Germain swooped in and secured the Spaniard on a five-year deal.

Herrera featured 95 times for the French side over the course of three seasons before joining Athletic Bilbao on loan this summer.

But he will be most remembered for his time in England.

Whilst many will remember him for his infamous man-marking of Eden Hazard during a game in the 2016/17 season, Herrera always gave 110% on the pitch in an United shirt.

He recently sat down with Manchester United to partake in a podcast discussing his time at the club; with the full interview to be released after this weekend.

During the podcast, he discussed his departure from the club, saying he felt his contract situation was mishandled at the time.

When invited to discuss his departure, Herrera opened up: “To leave, it was difficult because six months before, five months before, I was expecting that offer for me to stay,” he explains.

“I don't want to, it's not the moment to talk bad about anyone and I am not going to do it, but after my third season with the club I expected a little bit more from the club at that time. I got the Player of the Year award by the fans and the club didn't call me that summer to sign a new contract, and they did with other players.

"That was painful for me, honestly."

💔🇪🇸

🎥 @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/UE5aYm0sDw

— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) December 17, 2022

When asked if he felt emotional leaving the club, Herrera referenced a picture he had taken with his daughter and he emotionally breaks down in tears.

He then had to take a break before returning to finish the full podcast.

Fans tributes poured in on Twitter for the former player with one fan saying: "Always got what it meant to play in red. We’ve always missed his passion and drive in the squad. Should have gone on to be club captain."

Whilst another left a similar glowing tribute: "One of my favourites from the last decade in terms of work ethic/character. Always left it all out on the pitch, was underrated technically as well I felt. Will never forget the man marking Hazard masterclass. All the best Ander."

The full episode will be released on Monday at 17:00 GMT, exclusively in the United App, on ManUtd.com and via MUTV.