The captain leaves a remarkable legacy behind, with 15 seasons as part of the red-and-white first team. The club is preparing a high-level farewell event which will be held behind closed doors at San Mamés. Iker Muniain, who will turn 32 in December, bids farewell to Athletic Bilbao as his contract with the club expires this season. In a heartfelt video shared on Athletic’s social media, he expressed gratitude and announced his departure from the team.
In the emotional video recorded in the dressing room at San Mamés, accompanied by the music and lyrics of Aitormena (Hertzainak), Muniain shared, “I arrived in Bilbao when I was 12 years old, and today, almost two decades later, I come to announce my departure at the end of this season after 15 years in the first team.” He reflected on his time with the club, expressing his joy at achieving the long-awaited twenty-fifth Cup title and emphasized the unique bond between the fans and the team.
Having made his debut in the Athletic first team at just 16 years of age, Muniain acknowledged that it was a difficult decision to leave but ultimately believed it to be the best for both him and the club. He expressed gratitude and love for the team, vowing to give his all in the remaining games to secure a dream Champions League place. The club announced a farewell event and tribute to the captain at San Mamés, open to the general public for this significant occasion.
Muniain, who has decided to leave through the “big door” after achieving his dream of winning La Gabarra with Athletic as champions, is recognized as the player with the second most appearances in the club’s history (557), following only José Ángel Iribar (614). As his future plans remain undisclosed, it is uncertain whether he will continue his career at another club. Notably, Muniain is a self-confessed fan of River Plate, having supported the team from the field during the final of the Libertadores at the Bernabéu in 2018.
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