One million Athleticzales go to see La Gabarra
One million Athleticzales go to see La Gabarra
Spectacular reception for the Copa champions, who, led by Ernesto Valverde, have once again made history at Athletic Club
Athletic Club is huge, unique in world football. The explosion of joy took a million fans to both sides of the River Nervion to propel La Gabarra all the way to Bilbao's city hall.
A million thanks to our fans, who have played a major role in helping Ernesto Valverde's lions to bring the coveted 25th Copa to Bilbao after a 40-year wait.
Kopa da gurea. The Copa is ours. From early in the morning, the city was a hive of activity. Clear skies, sunshine, a perfect day to see La Gabarra on the water.
The nautical tour got underway at the Marítimo del Abra, next to the mouth of the river, at 16:30 CEST.
The main boat, with captains Iker Muniain and Óscar de Marcos carrying the Copa, set sail with the entire first team, the great Jose Angel Iribar, the Board of Directors, led by club president Jon Uriarte, the directors of football, led by Mikel González, and general manager Jon Berasategi.
160 boats accompanied the vessel, with the lions marvelling at the spectacle and proving that what Piru Gainza said after Athletic won the LaLiga title in Las Palmas in 1983 was true: "Lads, you don't know what you've done."
Red and white petals were thrown into the river in front of San Mamés to honour of those who have died over the last four decades as well as a nod to the letters sent by children to the players just before the final. The reception at the City Hall and the Provincial Council was something else. Incredible.