Mexico’s veteran midfielder just signed a three-year contract with La Liga giant Atletico de Madrid.
After six years and over 240 appearances with FC Porto, 29-year-old midfielder Hector Herrera, has officially signed with one of the top clubs in Spain, Atletico de Madrid. The long-rumored deal finally came to fruition this week and Herrera will be introduced as a new Colchonero on Thursday.
The Pachuca product will be joining a giant club team and playing in a top-notch league – as well as in the UEFA Champions League – could do wonders for his career. The Tijuana native announced his move on his personal Twitter account. Herrera was acquired by Atletico on a free transfer since his Porto contract had expired.
The sturdy midfielder journey enjoyed a nice six-year career with Porto, winning the Primeira Liga once (2017-2018), being named Player of the Year once (2014-2015) and wearing the captain’s armband for the Dragons his last season.
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With the move finally confirmed, it makes sense that the savvy midfielder opted to skip the Gold Cup this year. Herrera likely did not want to risk an injury that could have ruined his plans to join a big-name club. His skills and poise make him one of the top players Mexico has produced in recent years.
Since his breakout performance in the 2012 Toulon Tournament, Herrera has played a crucial role in international games with Mexico. He has over 70 caps with El Tri, has played in two World Cups (2014 and 2018), he was a member of Mexico’s historic 2012 Olympic gold-medal winning squad, and he has won the Gold Cup and the 2015 Concacaf Cup.
It is only matter of time to see another breakout for Hector Herrera in La Liga. And soon enough, we’ll see him put on the national team jersey again.