Tribute to Gaizka Toquero

Gaizka Toquero, Gazteiz-born footballer, who has played for both Athletic Club and Deportivo Alavés, has recently announced his retirement from professional football. Both teams will pay tribute to him prior to Sunday’s derby, a few minutes before kick-off when he accesses the VIP seats.

Toquero signed his contract with Athletic in May 2018 and defended our crest until 2015. From the very beginning, he has earned himself a place in the heart of all supporters. Two emotive moments can be highlighted in his playing career while wearing the red and white T-shirt, both taking place in 2009: his decisive goal against Sevilla FC, a 3-0 victory in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg that allowed Athletic Club play the final -24 years after the last one-, and the goal that gave us the initial lead playing FC Barcelona at Mestalla during that same final.

Toquero reminisces about the pre-match to the historic semi, versus the Sevillian Team: “I
remember we were all at Carlton Hotel and we couldn’t sleep, we were supposed to have a
nap but it was impossible: the square outside was really crowded.” On their way to the
stadium, “we were on the bus, we couldn’t make our way throw the crowd, there were flares
all along Gran Vía. It was unbelievable.”

Athletic Club has chosen this particular Basque derby to pay tribute to Toquero since there is
no better way to do it than with the participation of two of his most beloved teams.