Urrutia bids Athletic adiós
Thursday, June 12, 2003
Article summary
Athletic Club Bilbao midfield player Josu Urrutia has announced his retirement at the age of 35.
Article body
Position of privilege
The veteran, who has made over 400 appearances for the Basque club, has decided to end his 25-year career with Athletic after failing to recover from a serious knee injury. He said that he had "achieved his dreams" in the game, and that it had been a "privilege to play for Athletic".
Solitary appearance
Urrutia played just once for the senior team this season - in a Spanish Cup tie against Amurrio CF - before undergoing knee surgery in February. However, he had been warned by doctors that the prognosis was not good, and with his contract due to expire later this month, the Bilbao-born player has chosen to retire.
No testimonial
Urrutia, who turned down a testimonial, will instead make a farewell appearance at UEFA Cup-chasing Athletic's final home game of the season, against RC Deportivo La Coruña on Sunday.
