“I knew I wanted to stay here”

Ane Azkona did not have to think it twice to decide whether to stay in Athletic Club for another three seasons or not. In her virtual press conference, where she has answered the questions asked by the media and her supporters, the player from Pamplona wore the best of her smiles after getting to know yesterday that she will continue to be one of our lionesses until 2023. “Renewing my contract with Athletic Club has filled me with happiness. I came here four years ago and this three-year renewal brings me great satisfaction. It’s true that getting into the team was difficult at first, but I’ve felt at ease this year and I’m really happy. Those of us who are part of this club know how welcoming Athletic is and all the assistance people in it always provide in every respect. They are always willing to help, that’s something to be grateful for and what makes this club so special. Negotiations have been easy. I’m happy with my life and I was certain I wanted to stay here.”

Regarding the lockdown imposed because of the coronavirus, Ane tries to be positive and looks at the bright side of staying in. “I live in Lezama, and I have plenty of time to share with my parents and brother now. I have a rather fixed daily routine including studies and training.” About sporting aspects, she admits missing “training together with the team, but we all have hope and are looking forward to coming back on the pitch as soon as we can. We keep up-to-date with the daily news announcements, but they affect the whole society. We all want to come back to our normal lives soon and the crisis to be over with the least possible damage to all of us.”

Our speedy forward confesses she had to give up ballet to fully dedicate herself to professional football. “I was combining both activities for some years, but it came a time when I had to make a choice and I decided that what I enjoyed the most was playing on the pitch. If I hadn’t opted for football, I would still be doing ballet.” In the future, she would like to do something related to education, since she is currently doing an Early Childhood Studies degree at the UPV/EHU.

Ane considers herself to be a nervous person and believes she is learning how to manage her emotions better thanks to her development as a footballer.  The player from Navarre has taken advantage of this opportunity to thank everyone “for all the compliments I’ve been given due to my renewal. I’m really glad. I send all my support to everybody for the quarantine time ahead of us.”