MADRID, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Athletic Club Bilbao captain Iker Muniain announced on Wednesday that he is leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of June, after making over 560 first team appearances.
"I came to Bilbao when I was 12 years old, when I was a boy, and now, after almost two decades, I am announcing that I am leaving at the end of the season after 15 years in the first team," he said on the club's social media, adding that it was a "difficult decision," but the "best one for Athletic and for me."
The 31-year-old, has made 557 first team appearances for Athletic Club, spending 15 years in the first team squad after making his debut in a Europa League tie against Young Boys (Switzerland) when he was just 16, the youngest player to ever play in the Basque club's first team.
His talents, speed and close control drew comparisons with Leo Messi in the early days of his career, he was hampered by two serious cruciate knee ligament injuries.
Born close to the city of Pamplona (Navarre), Muniain joined the Athletic Club youth system when he was just 12-year old and played at every level for the Spanish national side, from U-16 to the senior national team, where he made two appearances.
Muniain has twice won the Spanish Supercup with the club in 2015 and 2021. His greatest moment came on April 6, when he led Athletic to their first Copa del Rey title in 40 years as they won a penalty shootout against Mallorca after a 1-1 draw.
The forward helped lead the historic 'Gabarra' celebration the following week as over a million people watched the successful team sail down the River Nervion on a converted barge.
"I am leaving happy, with the dream of winning our 25th Cup title and floating the 'Gabarra' 40 years after the last time. I was incredible and the communion between the supporters and the team shows we are truly unique in the world," he said. ■
