Balenziaga: "I'm going to be an Athletic fan until I die"
Balenziaga: "I'm going to be an Athletic fan until I die"
The defender, who leaves the club this June after 12 seasons in Bilbao, explained his decision to leave and spoke of the values he has learnt at Athletic
Athletic Club defender Mikel Balenziaga has said he will never stop being a Los Leones fan even though he feels it is time to carry on his playing career elsewhere.
The full-back, who has made 321 appearances in 12 seasons at the club, announced he will leave Athletic once his contract runs out at the end of the season.
Mikel explained his decision at an emotional press conference, where the entire first team squad and coaching staff were in attendance, along with Jose Angel Iribar, Club president Jon Uriarte and other club directors.
"Because of people like Carlos Gurpegui, Oscar de Marcos, Josu Urrutia and El Txopo [Iribar], I'll be an Athletic fan until the day I die," Mikel told those gathered at San Mames.
"What I am most proud of is having been able to help pass on the same values I was taught when I arrived here at Athletic. This is a big family and it is very much alive."
Mikel Balenziaga reiterated that the press conference would not be his final farewell, reminding all that Athletic have nine LaLiga fixtures left to achieve their goal of qualifying for European football next season.
He said: "The decision to leave was made completely naturally, and done in full agreement with the head coach and the Club. This isn't a farewell yet, as we've got nine crucial matches left over this next month and a half."
The no.24 also stated his intention to keep playing football, saying he was not ready to hang up his boots just yet.
He added: "I want to keep playing football. I still have a lot of enthusiasm and energy. My ambition is to continue."
Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte praised Balenziaga's "impressive career" and "unwavering commitment", insisting that "nobody at the club has a bad word to say about Mikel".