Iker Muniain's farewell speech in full

After 15 seasons in the first team and 557 games so far - making him Athletic's second highest appearance maker ever after Jose Angel Iribar's 614 - Iker Muniain is bowing out on top, having fulfilled his dream of boarding La Gabarra as an Athletic champion.

Iker arrived to Lezama when he was just 12 years old and stormed his way up the ranks until making his first team debut at just 16 years of age. Now at 31 years old, Iker leaves Athletic Club a bonafide legend. This is how he delivered the news of his departure to his teammates.

He said: "I think it is the best decision for me and for the Club. As I have said many times, what I had in mind and what I imagined in my head was something else; it was being here much longer, retiring here... That's what I had in mind. But, lads, sometimes life, like football, brings circumstances that we have to adapt to. And that's what I'm trying to do.

"It has not been easy at all. This decision involves a lot of things, not only in terms of sport but also family. But, I'm concluding a cycle at a good time, where we've been through a lot together.

"Inside, outside... We've had some wonderful experiences, some not so wonderful, but we've always dealt with them as best we could. I've been with some of you for a long time, less with others, but it doesn't matter, it's the same. The feeling is the same. The only thing I hope is that I have been able to help you all, at least a little, to grow, as humans and professionals. I'll settle for that.

"Also,I hope I've helped you understand a little more about the Athletic spirit. What it means to wear this shirt every weekend, every time we train; the responsibility, the commitment, being a good teammate, respecting the opposition, knowing how to win, knowing how to lose.... That is the baton of a big club like this.

"And I would ask one thing of you. That when I'm no longer here, you keep passing this on to the new lads that come through, to the new players, to the new employees. Because this is from generation to generation. Not only on the outside when we talk about grandparents,parents,, children... But also in the dressing room. We have to send people the right messages and help them understand what it means to wear this badge on our chest. I will always love you and I'm here whenever you need me. It has been a pleasure.

At the end of Iker's farewell speech, Óscar de Marcos also wanted to address the players.Iker, not only for his fifteen years here, has been an example.

"I think we should all appreciate what he's done this year, how he's behaved throughout his career, leading by example on a day-to-day basis. He has helped us, from the situation he has been in, so that we can achieve all our sporting goals. I think that as a person, we have to remember everything he has done because he has set an example to all of us. So, thank you very much for everything because it's been amazing."