Areso: “I knew for sure I wanted to come home”

Jesús Areso is delighted to be returning to Athletic Club. The right-back said he was looking forward to the "big challenges ahead" and felt honoured that such a big club wanted to sign him.

The former Bilbao Athletic player returns to Lezama after a productive spell at Osasuna where he has spent the last two seasons playing for the first team.

The defenders was on the radar of many top clubs, but he admitted to there only being one choice once he learnt Athletic were interested.

"I knew for sure I wanted to return home and the decision was easy to make," Areso told the local press.

"I really enjoyed Lezama. I've already played with many of my new teammates. This is what I want. Having a big club put their faith in me is motivating and makes me feel great. It's a responsibility for me, but it'll help me perform better."

The right-back has fond memories of his time at Lezama and is happy to be returning to an Athletic Club that is making waves in European football.

He said: "I'm very grateful for the trust placed in me to bring me back home. I spent four years here, I know how this club works and I know it is a big club.

"An exciting season is about to begin, with great challenges ahead. I wasn’t lucky enough to play at San Mamés during my previous spell here. I did experience it many times as an opponent. but playing here as a visitor is not the same as playing here as a home team. I’m here to enjoy myself, adapt to the manager’s style and give my all for the fans."

Jesús says his decision to leave Bilbao and return to Pamplona four years ago allowed him to mature and grow as a footballer.

“All players need time to mature. You can't rush things," he said.

"At that time, I needed playing time, and that's what I got. The important thing is that I'm here now and ready for this challenge. Athletic is a great club that's just had a very good season. I'm really looking forward to what's ahead and getting down to work."
 

“We're very happy with our squad and we have to be ambitious”

Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte welcomed the new signing back to Bilbao and stated his belief that Jesús will bring added value to the team.

He said: “We're very happy with our squad. If we find a good player who can improve us and fits our budget, we're always willing to make those signings.

"This is the case with Jesús, and he'll help us try to achieve our goals in a season with four competitions."

Our director of football, Mikel González, also expressed his satisfaction with this new signing, saying it was a sign of the club's ambition, whilst reiterating that there's no substitute for hard work.

"We have to be ambitious, we can't stand still. Every year, football takes you to the top or to situations you might not want to be in," he said.

"In that sense, we can't settle for less. Everyone starts a LaLiga season with zero points, so we have to push hard. But we're very comfortable with the squad we have."