Athletic Club midfielder Unai Vencedor confirmed he wishes to be a Lion for several more seasons, after signing a new long-term deal with the Club until 2025.
The Bilbao-born central midfielder has established himself in the senior squad this season, making 18 appearances so far in 2020-21.
“I’m very happy to be at the Club I’ve supported all my life,” Vencedor said at a press conference in Lezama on Tuesday morning. “I’m grateful the Club has placed its trust in me and I’ll try to repay that on the pitch.
“I dream of being at Athletic for many more years.”
It’s been quite a rise for Vencedor, who joined Lezama in 2017 via local side Santutxu. After a successful season with the U-19s, he went straight up to the reserves and made his first-team debut last season under then coach Gaizka Garitano.
The talented midfielder has gone from strength to strength in 2020-21 and he puts it down to hard work.
“I had to be patient and work hard every day,” he said about getting more first team appearances this season. “The opportunity came and now I’m trying to make the most of it.
“It all happened quite quickly, but I’ve tried to adapt as best as I can. Hopefully it will continue.”
Vencedor is well aware he can take nothing for granted and is fully prepared to keep working for his place in the team.
“Maintaining this is the most difficult part,” he said. “I know that I’ll have to keep working equally as hard or even harder to make sure I play as many minutes as possible.”
The Bilbao native also thanked former coach Gaizka Garitano, who handed Unai his LaLiga debut, against Osasuna last season.
He said: “Gaizka gave me my start in the First Division. He taught me a lot both on and off the pitch. I owe a lot to Gaizka.”
Finally, Unai sent a message to all the youngsters who also dream of playing for Athletic, adding: “Never throw in the towel, don’t give up.
“You have to fight hard for this dream and you can’t stop working.
“Every training session and every match is an opportunity to show what you’re capable of.
“But above all, enjoy the journey.”
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First Team
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