Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera stated today he will cooperate with his country's authority regarding the match-fixing scandal involving his former club, Real Zaragoza, and Levante. The current Manchester United player is one of the 41 players, coaches and directors named in the investigation of the 2011 match, which was won by Zaragoza.
"In an on-going legal process involving Real Zaragoza (Spain), the club I was honoured to play from 12 until 22 years of age, there are 41 people mentioned, of which I am one. I have never had and will never have anything to do with manipulating match results. If I am ever called to testify in any judicial hearing, I’ll be happy to attend, as my conscience is totally clear. I love football and I believe in fair play, both on and off the pitch," can be read in Herrera's Facebook account.
Prosecutors claim that 965,000 euros were paid in cash to Levante players so they would lose the match. Zaragoza needed three points to avoid relegation, and managed to win the game with a brace by Atletico Madrid's captain Gabi. Among those players involved are Angel Lafita, Jefferson Montero, goalkeeper Toni Doblas and Mexican coach Javier Aguirre.
The investigation will continue during this month. The interview process with everyone involved in this matter will begin in 2015.
