Ander Herrera plays for boyhood club Real Zaragoza for free

Former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera is currently playing without financial reward after rejoining his boyhood club, Real Zaragoza. The 37-year-old, who accumulated significant earnings during his time at Old Trafford and with Paris Saint-Germain, is donating his entire weekly salary directly back to the club's foundation.

The return of the veteran comes at a critical time for the six-time Copa del Rey winners. The club dropped out of professional football in May following a decade of financial instability and legal controversies.

I have a lot to thank this club, these people. Because without Real Zaragoza, I would probably never have been a professional player. And now, in a difficult moment for the club, I think we all, we the fans, have the responsibility to help the team and the club. Ander Herrera

Herrera noted that his past career success made this financial sacrifice an easy choice. He views his return to his hometown as a duty of love rather than work, aiming to give back to the sport and leave a lasting legacy before he eventually retires.

The gamble currently appears to be paying off on the pitch. Real Zaragoza currently leads Group B in the Primera Federacion, having secured five victories in their opening seven fixtures. The squad is now focused on maintaining this form as they target an immediate return to the professional leagues.