ANDER HERRERA has posted an agonising message revealing injury problems have left him considering "throwing in the towel".
The former Manchester United player of the year says being plagued by a repetitive muscle problem with no definite solution is the "most difficult moment of his career".
But despite quitting playing sometimes coming into his mind, the Athletic Bilbao midfielder pledged to battle on - to set his daughters a good example.
Herrera, 33, has played just 11 times for Bilbao this season following four years with PSG.
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The twice-capped Spaniard was tearful last year when he recalled his Old Trafford exit of 2019.
But he explained on Instagram that he's now living through his darkest time in football.
Herrera wrote: "I am going through, without a doubt, the most difficult moment of my career.
"A little over a year ago I started having repetitive muscle problems from which I can't recover.
"For someone like me, who is passionate about his profession and enjoys it intensely every day, it is very hard.
"I feel the same energy and enthusiasm for football as I have during my entire career, but injuries are not allowing me to enjoy and be happy.
"I feel that in the @athleticclubI have everything I need to be and that makes me suffer even more.
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"I am surrounded by professionals who never stop showing me their help and support, and by peers like no other."
"And of retirement thoughts he added: "On occasions, it has crossed my mind to throw in the towel but I would not forgive myself.
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"We want to educate our daughters in perseverance and in overcoming the obstacles that may be found along the way, and that would be exactly the opposite.
"I'm going to keep looking for solutions and working to get back to doing what I love the most and return the love of the people around me."
