Erika Vázquez is hanging up her boots after a storied career and 17 seasons at Lezama but the Lioness insisted she will always be an Athletic Club fan.

With 423 matches Erika is Athletic Club Women’s top appearance maker, while her 264 goals see her top the outfit’s goalscoring charts. In fact, only the legendary Telmo Zarra has scored more goals for Athletic.

“Farewells are neither easy nor pleasant, but the day has come to say goodbye. I’m saying goodbye to the club of my life after 17 years of wearing and defending this shirt. And even though I’m retiring, I’ll always be a Lioness,” Erika said at her farewell press conference.

“As soon as I arrived, I became aware that our Athletic is a unique and different club, both in its philosophy and in the values it shares, which, in the end, have become my own. Here I learned what passion, enthusiasm, teamwork and joy on a football pitch mean. At the same time, I felt the pressure of belonging to a winning club.

“I’ve worked hard and have given 100% at all times. I think I’m saying goodbye with my duties fulfilled after 17 seasons, 423 games and 264 goals. These figures, especially on a day like today, are something I can be proud of.”

Vazquez retires as a Club legend and she wanted to thank Athleticzales, as well as her teammates, for all the support she has received during her time here.

She said: “The fans, who’ve always been there wherever we’ve played, and all the great teammates I’ve been lucky enough to share a dressing room with, have always made me feel that I belonged here.

“Some things are more important than money. Sometimes when you lose you also win and the best reward is to feel valued, loved and respected.

“To all Athleticzales, 17 years ago you welcomed me as one of your own and made me feel at home. Thank you for making us believe and for always being there for us in the most important moments. You’ve been the driving force that has kept me active and motivated every day. Thank you for your time and dedication.”