Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera says he never lost contact with the club.

Herrera has returned to Athletic this season from PSG having originally left for Manchester United.

He said, "My departure from Athletic? There has been little controversy. I decided to leave for one of the top five clubs in the world and time made me realise that I was not wrong.

"I had very good years and I really appreciated. I have always felt the affection of the people of Athletic since I decided to leave and now that I am back, it is the same.

"The first step was phenomenal and I will try to make the second one also."