Tribute to Valverde and Lekue before Celta match

Following on from a tifo dedicated to Ernesto Valverde’s 500 matches in charge of the Athletic Club first team, there will be a final tribute to the head coach’s legacy before our match against RC Celta on Sunday.

Iñigo Lekue, who recently announced his decision to retire as a one-club man, will also receive a tribute. The full-back is hanging up his boots after 11 seasons at the club.

To mark the occasion, Athletic Club has invited all the former players and coaching staff that have worked with Ernesto during his three spells as manager: 2003 to 2005, 2013 to 2017, and 2022 to 2026.

We politely request that everyone planning on attending Sunday’s match at San Mames arrives well before kick-off so we can give Ernesto and Iñigo, two Athletic Club legends, the send-off they deserve.

This is an homage from the entire Athleticzale community to two icons whose respective legacies reflect not only success on the pitch but the values associated with our club: dedication, respect and identity.