Footballers who left Athletic this summer invited to match at San Mames

The dozen players who left Athletic Club this season were invited to San Mames' VIP Area to watch Wednesday's match against Valencia CF.

Lezama director Sergio Navarro along with David Rincón and Mikel García of the player care team, were in charge of guiding the youngsters. The players represented all those that have left the club as all the guests invited were unable to attend due to commitments with their new clubs.

The club's intention is to hold a special day with our former female players at a Athletic Club Women match at San Mamés at a later date.

This is the second edition of this initiative, which began last year. Unai Simón met the players an hour before kick-off, giving them each a red-and-white scarf. Once the match was over, they were greeted by club president Jon Uriarte and the board of directors in the presidential box.

Afterwards, Iñigo Lekue and Beñat Prados had a chat with them on the pitch. Lekue has the experience of not having joined the club until under-18 level, while Prados, who arrived from UC Txantrea, spent a season away on loan at CD Mirandés before returning as a Lion.