Muniain: “I'll always be one of you”

Iker Muniain's farewell act took place at San Mames on Monday evening, with more than 20,000 Athleticzales in attendance. Even the incessant rain couldn't dampen this memorable event at The Cathedral.

"I'll never really leave, because I'll always be one of you," the captain told the fans in the stands. "If you ever need me, I'll be here the next day. Thank you for everything, I love you very much."

Iker entered the pitch via a guard of honour consisting of a Txantrea Under-11 player, the captains of Athletic male and female Under-11 teams, the Athletic Club Women captains and his teammates, who were wearing red-and-white strips with the no.10 and Muniain on the back.

Different figures from Muniain's family and playing career sat in chairs placed on the pitch in front of the North Stand. These included former captain and teammates such as Beñat Etxeberria, Pablo Orbaiz, Gorka Iraizoz, Carlos Gurpegui and Mikel Susaeta, as well as Joaquin Caparrós, the manager who handed Iker his senior debut.

There was also a large institutional representation, led by Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte and legendary goalkeeper José Angel Iribar.

The ceremony reviewed Iker Muniain's career at Athletic Club from start to finish. A journey across 20 years with six highlights: his formative years at Lezama, with a heartfelt tribute to Koldo Asúa; his first team debut with Joaquín Caparrós; the Bielsa era, for whom Iker requested a well-deserved round of applause; qualification for the Champions League and the first Supercopa with Ernesto Valverde; the second Supercopa and the two lost finals during the pandemic and then ending the 40-year-wait for our 25th Copa title and the subsequent La Gabarra celebrations.

Two giant screens on the other side of the pitch provided images throughout the evening, which Athletic broadcast on live YouTube.

"You're a true Zurigorri legend," Uriarte remarked. "You came here as a boy and are leaving as a man with the much-coveted Copa to your name."

Iñaki Williams said: "Koldo [Asua] made you a great captain. We're very proud of your entire career, of being your teammate, your brother. It's an honour to say we've played with Iker Muniain."

Various managers from Iker's time at Athletic had words of praise for the captain.

"You see it quickly when someone has talent," Caparrós said. "I've enjoyed watching Iker mature, how's he picked up everything that's part of the idea of being an Athletic captain." Gaizka Garitano reiterated the same sentiment via his video message: "You showed what it's means to be a captain."

Marcelino said: "The first time I saw your doing your football magic was at a tournament in 2008. As luck would have it, many years later we worked together at Athletic."

Actor and club ambassador Julian Lopez led a rendition of Athletic's adopted Copa song: "This is the famous Athletic, the famous Athletic Club, and these are the champions, Aupa Athletic txapeldun!"

Iribar had the final say of the evening: "You've been a great captain. A star player and a star person. A staunch Athleticzale. From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much for everything and good luck in your new adventure."

An event to remember for the entire Athletic family. On Sunday at 19:00, San Mames will have the chance to give Iker one final send-off as he features in his last match at The Cathedral.