Emotions running high

When Ander Iturraspe, Mikel Rico and Markel Susaeta, the last two accompanied by their children, appeared through the tunnel of the changing rooms, San Mamés gave them one of those enormous ovations that are never forgotten. The three emblematic lions, appeared together to say goodbye and the red-and-white fans stayed after the match to give them all their affection, gratitude and recognition in their farewell. On the other side, the team, dressed in white t-shirts with the numbers of their team-mates, made them a corridor on their way to the central circle. There, Carlos Gurpegui, who had been their captain for a good part of their trajectories, gave them frames of their own dedicated and jerseys, with a significant plaque where could be readen: GUTAKO BAT BETIRAKO, ESKERRIK ASKO.

Then came the moment of the walking through the field, with the public of each tribune applauding in a very exciting way, until they reached the Herri Harmaila, from where an enormous typhus dedicated to Susaeta, 1991 – 2019, and another banner in homage to Iturraspe and Rico was deployed. The three climbed into the lively stands and vibrated with the homage of the fans as the team followed the memorable moment from the turf. As Susaeta himself declared at the end of the farewell: “Our people are different. The three of us were able to experience it today and it was a joy.