Muniain to be given symbolic trophy for his 500 matches
Muniain to be given symbolic trophy for his 500 matches
Markel Susaeta will present Iker Muniain with a small keepsake made of three emblematic pieces: the captain's armband, a stone from the old San Mamés and an oak stand
In the lead-up to Sunday’s match against Valencia CF at San Mamés, Athleticzales in attendance will get to watch Markel Susaeta, the last Lions to reach 500 appearances before Iker Muniain, present the current captain with a meaningful gift for reaching the same incredible milestone.
The trophy is decorated with the original armband Iker wore during his 500th appearance against RCD Mallorca on Monday. Standing out on the fabric, which has been treated with resins to make it more solid, are the Ikurriña, the Athletic Club crest and the date of the match (August 15, 2022).
Underneath, there is a very special stone taken from the old San Mamés, a link to the Club's long history and an oak wood base representing tenacity and integrity where the details of the event are laser engraved.
The exchange on the pitch will be brief, but hopefully this act will become a tradition over time in which the previous player to reach 500 games (Muniain would be next) bestows the latest player to achieve the feat with a trophy.
Through this we are seeking to create a chain of legends in which a baton representing a unique identity in the world of football is constantly passed on. Markel Susaeta (507 matches) received a similar gift from Jose Angel Iribar (614), Rojo I (541) and Joseba Etxeberria (514) - Andoni Iraola (510) couldn’t attend for work reasons. Current captain, Iker Muniain, just 29 years old, adds another link to this extraordinary line of icons.
The piece, designed by the Club, was created in collaboration with local artist Iñaki Arce. On the base, the following text is written in Basque: “Iker Muniain. 500 matches. At Lezama from 12 years old. Played in every age group until becoming first-team captain. 14 seasons. 71 goals. 61 matches in Europe. Date of debut: 30/07/2009, Athletic Club 0 Young Boys 1.”
Members of the public attending the match against Valencia CF are asked to arrive at the stadium ahead of time so they can take part in this tribute to Iker Muniain.