"Hopefully we'll have another 125 years in the top-flight and with our philosophy"

Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Unai Gómez are hopeful Athletic Club will continue to be as successful and unique for the next 125 years as we have been for the previous 125.

Both players spoke to local media at a pop-up bar opened by San Miguel at Calle Doctor Achúcarro 3 in Bilbao to commemorate Athletic Club's 125 year anniversary.

The venue will be open to the general public this Friday and Saturday (October 27 and 28), and will have different events and activities for all Athleticzales.

"We all dream of experiencing moments like 'La Gabarra' again, and hopefully the club will continue to make history as it has done all these years, with many successes. Always competing in the First Division, which deserves an incredible amount of credit," Galarreta said when asked about his predictions for the next 125 years at Athletic.

"Let's hope the next 125 years are as successful as the previous ones; always in the top flight and maintaining the philosophy," Unai Gómez said.

Speaking of the future, Unai Gómez revealed his joy after renewing his contract with Athletic Club until 2028.

He said: "I've been in the stands at San Mames all my life, dreaming of one day being on the pitch. Now I have that opportunity and I want to make the most of it.

"Everything I'm experiencing is very special for me. I've always dreamed of this and it's very special that Athletic have put their trust in me. Both my family and I are very happy. Now I have to repay the trust placed in me."

The 20-year-old has had quite a journey to reach Athletic' senior team, joining Lezama as an 11-year-old before being let go and coming back when he was 16. He still cannot believe he now teammates with some of his childhood idols.

He added: "Training with these players and sharing moments together, replacing someone Iker Muniain or Ander Herrera on the pitch is very special for me. I've been watching them play all my life.

"The Europa League final had a big impact on me, they played incredible football and now I'm side by side with them. It's amazing. I also pay attention to what players like Iñaki Williams, Raúl García and Óscar De Marcos are doing, because they're great footballers."

Athletic vs Valencia, Sunday at The Cathedral (18:30 CET)

Focusing on the upcoming match in Bilbao against Valencia CF, Galarreta is confident Athletic can take all three points but believes it will be a tough match.

"Valencia have some very good players, but I think the most important thing will be to maintain our style of play. We need to be intense, press high up the pitch, create chances and be clinical. Doing all that will be key to getting the win," the midfielder said.

Unai Gómez says Athletic have "already shown they can compete with and beat anyone else".

He continued: “Despite the defeat against FC Barcelona, we're in very good shape. If we want to stay in the European places, we have to keep winning and keep up our good form at San Mames.

"We've only lost to Real Madrid [at home] and I'm sure with our grit and determination, added to our fans' passion, we'll be able to take all three points against Valencia."

Galarreta added: "If you want to fight for beautiful things, you have to win a lot of points. This weekend we have to take three points at home."