Valverde: “Now it's time for me to be just another fan”

An emotional Ernesto Valverde said he was "grateful for all the affection" he's received during his three spells as Athletic Club head coach as he signed off with a final press conference at the Santiago Bernabéu after the Lions' 4-2 defeat against Real Madrid.

The gaffer admitted it will take time to sink in but that he's looking forward to watching Los Leones as a just another supporter from now on.

"With time I'll look back on all my time at Athletic and the successes," Ernesto said after the match.

"Distance gives you a clearer perspective. I’m really emotional, despite the defeat. Because it’s over, and because I think the time is right for me to move on and become just another Athletic fan."

The boss said the Madrid heat took the "pace out of the match" when analysing the defeat, adding: “We wanted to win and we’re disappointed not to have come away with anything, whilst acknowledging our opponents’ quality."

After a very up-and-down season, a new chapter with a new coach is about to begin and Valverde is hopeful about what lies ahead.

He said: "It's been an emotional farewell. We’ve had a tough time this year and our season hasn’t gone as well as we’d hoped. I hope the new coach has the best of luck. This club is special and he’ll realise that as soon as he arrives."