Herrera keen for long stay at Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera says he wants to play for the club for a ‘long time’ to come.

The 22-year-old joined the side in 2011 and, after just a year at the La Liga side, says he is ready to commit his long-term future to the club.

“I’m very happy in Bilbao. Playing here you realise what it means to be in the club. I’m in no hurry, I want to play here for a long time,” Herrera told UEFA.com.

“I want to enjoy the club. Also, we have a debt to our people.”

Despite his short time with Bilbao, the midfielder says he has a clear idea over the principles of the side.

“It’s a feeling that passes from generation to generation. It is a very special club for my philosophy,” Herrera said.

“The fan feels totally identified with the players because we are all in the area, we have been raised in the same places as them.

“I’ll stick with the atmosphere of Bilbao, and the feeling that you could do something big.”