Death of a former-player

This Wednesday, 10 January, former Athletic Club player, Ignacio Garate Bergaretxe, passed away in Durango. Funeral services will be held this Thursday, 11 January, at the Santa Maria de Uribarri Basilica in Durango, beginning at 19:00 hours.

Ignacio Garate was also the brother of former-player Patxi Garate; he debuted for Athletic Club as a side midfielder on 8 October, 1950, in the Liga match between Athletic 9 – Celta 4. Curiously enough, he debuted the same day as Jesús Garay, both newcomers from the Erandio team.

Before moving on to Erandio, Garate was a player in his native town’s team, the Cultural de Durango.

During the three seasons he played for Athletic (1950-51, 1951-52 and 1956-57), he disputed 15 official matches, 14 in the Liga (9 goals), and one in the Copa (1 goal).

A player of extreme intelligence and versatility, he played many positions: side midfielder, defender, centre forward. His practical and shining style was praised, as were his goal precision and his excellent shot.

As a sign of respect, Athletic Club players will be wearing a black armband at Sunday’s match between Athletic Club-Villarreal.