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“From now on I will enjoy as one more supporter”

“From now on I will enjoy as one more supporter”

Clearly moved, Aritz Aduriz said goodbye at San Mamés in an emotional appearance with his family and teammates

With the incomparable San Mamés in the background, Aritz Aduriz was clearly moved at the long-awaited press conference after announcing his definitive retirement from football on Wednesday. Aduriz appeared on the field accompanied by his wife and daughters in the hall made by all his teammates and technicians of the first team and showed his gratitude to his family, club and supporters for the affection shown throughout his career.

“I cannot imagine this farewell nor everything that has happened to me, because when I was a child, I never even thought of being able to wear the Athletic shirt on a single occasion,” said the striker. “I am overwhelmed by all the love I have received these days. This is not a moment to be sad, but to be happy because I have always done what I liked, and I enjoyed doing it a lot. That is why I have come this far.”

Aduriz was also very clear about the physical problems that caused him to make his decision to retire before the end of the season: “I have been fighting against the pain for a long time and more or less I could stand it and help the team a little bit, but each time less. But after this confinement it was definitive, and it was not a balanced fight; the balance soon went to the side of the damaged hip. All bodies have their limits, and even more for a professional athlete. There was nothing to be done. Right now, the team is better without me.”

Despite not being able to count on the affection of the crowd due to the current health situation, Aritz has been rewarded enough for the red-and-white support during so many seasons: “I do not feel the need to have the tribute of the people because The Cathedral has given me so much… For me it has been like receiving a tribute every Sunday. And in the same way, he wanted to reduce his role in a possible Cup celebration: “A place in the barge? I do not need it. The important thing is that we can get it out and that all the Athletic supporters enjoy it. And I am like one more, because that is what I am going to be from now on, one more supporter hoping to celebrate the Cup.”

Absolute reference of the past, present and future of the red-and-white team, Aritz Aduriz defined the Athletic spirit in this way: We always say that Athletic is special and I feel it. The group of people that we have here is bestial and that is what makes us different. It is like a group of friends that is competing against the rest of the world. And I leave so many people here who understand what this means, that I do not need to tell them anything because they will pass it on perfectly to the next generations.”

A legend is leaving, a myth that only wants to be remembered as “someone who always tried to do his best.”

Thank you very much, Aritz!