"It's an experience of my life that I will never forget": Ander Herrera's emotional final farewell from Boca

Although his departure from Boca had already been made official days ago, Ánder Herrera still had one last task to complete. This Thursday morning, while the team began pre-season training under the orders of Rodolfo Arruabarrena, the Spanish midfielder showed up at the Ezeiza training ground to collect his belongings and say goodbye to his teammates, expressing gratitude for the affection received during his time at the club.

In statements to the press present at the site, far from showing discomfort about the premature end of his cycle, the former Athletic Bilbao and Manchester United player chose words of gratitude and emotion regarding his departure. "I have been very happy here in this last year and a half, I have had a great time, I have met incredible people. The people who make up Boca will mark me for the rest of my life. It is a life experience that I will never forget", he assured the media present.

Herrera emphasized that the opportunity to wear the blue and gold jersey represented the realization of a personal dream. "My total gratitude to Boca for bringing me here, for giving me the chance to fulfill a dream. I wish the best for what is to come, for my teammates, I believe Boca has enormous possibilities,” he stated.

The midfielder also made a self-criticism regarding the team's performance during his time at the club. “This last year and a half things have been done well, but it is true that Boca's demand is to win and we have not won. We have to accept it, I wish the best for the coaching staff and my teammates,” he acknowledged.

A conflict-free exit

Despite his contract being valid until December 2026, Herrera explained that the termination was resolved quickly and without differences with the management or the new coaching staff. "It was easy. Every coaching staff has its priorities. One day if I am a coach, I will have mine. What I made clear to the club is that there would be no problems with me in any case", he explained.

"What I did was make things easier for the new coaching staff, so they can work with the group they believe will be the best for Boca", he insisted. He also emphasized that his emotional bond with the institution will continue beyond his departure. "Boca loses a player, but will have a fan for the rest of my life".

The non-meeting with Riquelme

In another part of his statements, the Spaniard also denied having had a recent meeting with Juan Román Riquelme, although he highlighted the good relationship that has existed since his arrival at the club. "Román has a lot to do. He is the president of the biggest club in the world. Surely we will find the moment to meet, hug, and chat, but now the priority is Boca", he stated.

"The priority is not Ander Herrera. The priority is Boca, to try to have the most successful second semester possible. I understand that Román has many things to do, Boca demands time. I'm sure before I return to Spain we will see each other and hug", he emphasized.

How he sees Arruabarrena's team and his personal future

Before saying goodbye, Herrera expressed optimism regarding the team's future and supported the start of Arruabarrena's cycle. "The new coaching staff comes with renewed energy. The changes in the squad will do good. Surely things will turn out better. I am optimistic because Boca's possibilities are enormous", he pointed out.

Finally, he left the door open for a possible return to the club, albeit in a different role. When asked about his interest in coaching, he responded cautiously: "I have so much respect for this club and its history that one must be very well prepared to lead it. I hope that one day I am ready to return to this club from another role, but I like to be humble and prudent with the steps I will take".

Thus, amidst hugs, thanks, and without reproaches, Herrera closed a brief but significant chapter of his career. Boca lost a footballer, but, in his own words, gained a fan for life.