Yeray: “I'm more motivated than ever to keep playing”

Yeray Álvarez admitted he feels "very happy" to have renewed his contract saying he's keen to prolong his career and become a one-club man at Athletic Club.

The no.5 has put pen to paper on a two-year extension which will run until 2028 and includes an option for a third year.

"My dream is to finish my career at Athletic," Yeray said in a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

“After being away from the team for ten months, this is really good news for me. Now I’m just thinking about enjoying myself, coming here to train and playing."

Yeray acknowledged that the ten months he spent away from the team due to his suspension were “long”, but he expressed his gratitude for the support he received during that time.

He said: “My teammates, the club staff, my family and friends have been there for me day in, day out, supporting me and reminding me that I still had time to play and enjoy myself again.

"As time has gone by, I've found myself full of strength and energy, and now I'm more keen than ever to keep working and keep playing." 
 

🤩 Yeray Álvarez, a One-Club Man in the making!

"My dream is to finish my career at Athletic."

"The environment around me is spectacular. That’s helped me get through this situation and made me feel more motivated than ever to keep playing."#Yeray2028 #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/4ibyini3xX

— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) May 6, 2026

With just four games left this season, the centre-back spoke about the team's chances of returning to Europe.

"Our mindset is the same as it was before we beat Alavés and Osasuna," he said.

"These points give us a bit of peace of mind and take some of the pressure off those matches, but our mindset remains focused on winning games, starting with Valencia.

"We know that stringing together two consecutive wins would keep us in the mix at the top."

When asked about Ernesto Valverde’s departure, Yeray replied that the manager “was the person who gave me my debut". He continued: "I’ve been with him for seven years and I have nothing but words of gratitude for him.

Regarding the incoming manager, Edin Terzić, the defender said: “We know he’ll be demanding and will make us work hard, but we’re really looking forward to it. We’ll give it our all and welcome him with open arms.”