Etxeberria commits to Athletic
Thursday, July 24, 2003
Article summary
Spanish international Joseba Etxeberria has signed a new long-term contract with Athletic Club Bilbao.
Article body
Contract extension
The 25-year-old's contract had been due to expire in June 2004 and the likes of FC Barcelona and FC Bayern München had reportedly inquired after his services. However, Etxeberria has decided to renew his Athletic deal until 2007, with the option of two more years after that.
Staying put
"When you feel at home, it does not matter what other offers you receive," said Etxeberria. "I have played for Athletic for eight years, and I want to continue." The player began his career with Real Sociedad de Fútbol but spent just one season in the first team at the Anoeta before joining Basque rivals Athletic in 1995.
Scoring form
Last season, he scored 14 goals in 33 matches for Athletic but was unable to help them reach a UEFA Cup spot as they finished seventh in the Primera División. A member of Spain's 2002 FIFA World Cup squad, Etxeberria is a key man in the national team's qualifying plans for UEFA EURO 2004™.
