Athletic Bilbao: captain Muniain announces farewell after 19 years

Iker Muniain will leave Athletic Bilbao this summer, after 15 seasons in the first team. Born in Pamplona, ​​in the Navarra region, the striker arrived at the Lezama academy in 2006, at the age of 12. After 557 games – until you see – Muniain is the second player with the most games played for the Basque club, only surpassed by goalkeeper José Ángel Iribar (614).

«Iker Muniain decided to leave through the big door, as he fulfilled his dream of traveling on “La Gabarra”. The moment and way in which the captain says goodbye represent the unconditional love for Athletic Bilbao”, reads the statement published by the San Mamés emblem.

It is important to recover the symbolism of «La Gabarra». Built in 1960, the boat served as the stage for the celebrations of winning La Liga in 1983. All thanks to the promise of then president Pedro Artenetxea, supported by director Cecilio Gerrikabeitia. Thus, dozens of boats accompanied «La Gabarra», where the «Lions» delegation followed.

The same scenario was repeated in 1984, when the League and Cup were won, as well as this year, after the Copa del Rey was won again.

As for Iker Muniain, the history already written contains 75 goals, between League, Cup, Champions League and Europa League. The CV is full of two Super Cups and the Cup won this season. Furthermore, there are memories of the lost finals in that same competition (5) and the silver in the Europa League in 2012.

“The statistics do not reflect how Muniain helped us. He preferred to stay at home and compete for his club, where he graduated and became a professional, giving up signing for clubs that could offer more money and titles. The courage, commitment and dedication with which he overcame his two serious knee injuries are also an example of professionalism. He’s an icon,” writes Athletic.

In a statement full of emotion – if it weren’t for this emblem of the Basque Country – the penalty taken by the striker in the Copa del Rey final and the euphoric celebrations in the following days are recalled.

«Perhaps aware of the imminent farewell, he led the celebrations. The waste of energy, attitude and enthusiasm mirrors happiness and pride», concludes Athletic.

Muniain’s debut for the “Lions” took place on July 30, 2009, at San Mamés, against Young Boys (0-1), in the 3rd qualifying round of the Europa League. A week later, in Switzerland, he became the youngest to score for Athletic Bilbao (1-2), confirming the Basques’ qualification for the competition’s playoff. The forward was then 16 years old.

Soon, Athletic Bilbao will announce the date of farewell to captain Iker Muniain, to be held at San Mamés. For now, you can be sure that entry will be free.

This season, the striker accumulated 22 games and two goals, between League and Cup.

On Saturday night, the Basques will be able to equal Atlético Madrid in fourth place. The challenge was left by the captain: «In the remaining games, we will compete to reach the Champions League».

Meeting in the Spanish capital scheduled for 8pm.

After Raúl García announced the end of his career, another “legend” from San Mamés announced a new direction.