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Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has today denied being involved in a match-fixing scandal dating back to his time at Real Zaragoza. In a statement on his official Facebook page, the midfielder has reiterated that while he has been named in connection with the ongoing case, his connection is as a possible witness, not as the target of the allegations.
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 cited as possible witnesses, 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.
The allegations stem from the final day of the 2010-11 La Liga season, when Real Zaragoza needed to beat Levante to remain in the top flight. They did so, securing a 2-1 victory. Earlier this year Atlético Madrid captain Gabi — then on loan at Zaragoza — admitted receiving money from the club president, though he denied this was used to pay Levante's players. The investigation continues.
Update:
Since publication, Herrera's statement has been tweaked slightly. Previously it read as noted above; now it reads "In an on-going legal process involving Real Zaragoza (Spain) ... there are 41 people mentioned, of which I am one." (TBB's emphasis.) The denial remains unaltered, however.