Obituary: Natxo Biritxiñaga

Natxo Biritxiñaga, who passed away on 21 February 2012, better known as Natxo Biritxinaga or Biritxi, was Athletic Club’s premier team’s masseur between 1955 and 1998.

Very few people can presume of such direct entailment with Athletic as Natxo Biritxiñaga from birth. The son of the great Perico Biritxinaga (employee of the club since 1912 till his death in 1958, doing administrative work, handyman, masseur and even manager), Natxo saw his first light on 19 October 1932 in San Mamés, usual residence of his parents.

He grew up in San Mamés seeing his father’s as well as his cousin’s work (Guillermo Perdiguero) develop, which naturally led him to become a masseur. He began his professional career with Athletic during the 1955-56 season, the double wins with Daucik, remaining in that position until the club’s centennial in 1998, meaning a total of 42 seasons.

During that time he had the opportunity to sing the victory chant (alirón) on eight occasions (3 Ligas and 5 Copas), along with some sub-championships, although Natxo was more pleased remembering the people with whom he shared the dugout during these times, as much as managers (he coincided with 24) as well as players (he saw more than 200 make their debut) or members of the technical staff.

Well loved by all footballers (the anecdote of his disguise as Eva Nasarre during the 1984 Copa pre-match is famous), his charisma exceeded disguises since for many years he was one of the most entertaining members of Atheltic followers.
Athletic Club would like to express its deepest condolences to family and friends during this difficult time.