David de Gea sends six-word message to Ander Herrera following a “painful” Man Utd revelation

David de Gea sends six-word message to Ander Herrera following a “painful” Man Utd revelation

David de Gea has given Ander Herrera a note of sympathy after the former Manchester United star discussed his “painful” Old Trafford departure.

Herrera, 33, remained at the club for five years after coming from Athletic Bilbao in 2014. The Spanish midfielder made 189 appearances for the club and won the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Europa League before becoming a free agent in the summer of 2019.

Former Manchester United fan favorite Ander Herrera was immediately snapped up by Paris Saint-Germain as he became available. Speaking this week, Herrera said that he was “expecting” a higher offer to remain at the club after receiving numerous accolades for his consistency.

In an touching interview with the UTD Podcast, Herrera said: “To leave, it was difficult because six months before, five months before, I was expecting that offer for me to stay.”

“I expected a little bit more from the club at that time. I got the Player of the Year award from 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. I think I deserved it and they didn’t do it. After, the conditions changed because I was not happy with that little moment with the club.”

Herrera broke down immediately after those remarks as he reminisced about his final day at the club, when his daughter joined him on the field as he waved goodbye to Manchester United fans. And after viewing the video, De Gea tweeted a heartfelt message to his old teammate: “Once a Red, always a Red,” with by a red heart emoji.

Once a Red, always a Red ❤️ https://t.co/ZNWmfHFMpb

— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) December 17, 2022

Herrera has made 96 appearances during his trophy-laden tenure with Ligue 1 champions PSG in the French capital, but has struggled to secure a regular starting position in the team’s star-studded lineup.

Athletic Bilbao swooped in during the summer to bring Herrera back to Spain. The midfield maestro, who spent three years at Bilbao prior to joining Manchester United, returned to the LaLiga club on a season-long loan contract in order to play regular games.

Bilbao have the option to purchase Herrera at the conclusion of the loan, but injuries and suspension have limited the playmaker to just six appearances across all competitions this season.

After leaving Manchester United, Herrera signed a lucrative five-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain that runs until the summer of 2024.

David de Gea sends six-word message to Ander Herrera following a “painful” Man Utd revelation