Linked to Manchester United for some time, Mexico midfielder Hector Herrera has confirmed that he will join Portuguese giants FC Porto this summer, after days of speculation.

Herrera, 22, who starred in helping his side to a gold medal at the Olympic Games, will leave Pachuca for Europe ahead of the 2013-14 season and will be joined at the club by national team colleague, defender Diego Reyes.

In confirming the deal, Herrera was quick to admit that he was glad to have his teammate’s company in heading for the Old Continent, adding that he hopes his performances in Portugal can help him earn a move to either England of Spain.

“The truth is that I am very happy to know that I’m not going alone and that I will go with a colleague that I have spent much time and have a good relationship with,” Herrera told Mexican media outlet Excelsior. “Thus, it is another joy for me. It is a major challenge for us both and we will be in it together.

“First, I have to do things with Porto in order to later go to Spain or England, with a more renowned team. I know that many great players have played for this club, were sold and went on to succeed with the giant European clubs. I hope I can do the same.”

Herrera did not divulge any details of reported interest from both Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, but added that the stories encouraged him to continue in his efforts to reach the top: “The interest [from Manchester United and PSG] was testament to my work and shows that the sacrifices I have made in leaving home are paying off.

“As I have always said, this motivates me to work harder and continue to attract the interest of such important teams.”

Read more on Hector Herrera, courtesy of Tom Marshall, on Goal.com – here.