Guruzeta: "I've worked hard to get to this point”
Guruzeta: "I've worked hard to get to this point”
Gorka Guruzeta spoke to the press after signing a new four-year contract
Athletic Club striker Gorka Guruzeta reiterated that committing his long-term future to Athletic is a "dream" and was always his main "priority".
The forward has been a key figure since returning to the club, having netted six goals last season and 10 so far this term.
"It is a dream and I have worked hard to be in this situation," Gorka said at a press conference on Thursday morning.
"My priority was always to be at Athletic. When I was at Antiguoko, it was the first side that took an interest in me and since then my goal has been to get here."
📌 #RealBetisAthletic, this Sunday at Benito Villamarín.
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) February 22, 2024
👊 "We have to go and take another chunk out of the standings."
🗣️ @GorkaGuru9 #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/zeOtXDCVu8
The Donostia native came up through the academy at Lezama. He left the club after suffering a serious knee injury, but returned to Athletic in the summer of 2022.
He said: "Even if your dream is to play for Athletic, when you leave Lezama, it's not the end of the world. You have to work hard and do well to be noticed.
"Since I arrived from Amorebieta, [Ernesto] Valverde has focused on the aspects that I needed to improve. I'm really enjoying myself and I'm desperate to do well and achieve great things, as I have been doing so far."
With the Lions heading into an important phase of the season, Guruzeta warned Athletic can't afford to "take our focus off LaLiga" as they prepare to Real Betis at the Benito Villamarin this Sunday (16:15 CET).
He continued: "We know the Atlético game is there, but we'll have time to recover and prepare for it. We're on the right track. We have to think about winning every day and look to attack the league table."