Nugent Posted 2 October 2008 Posted 2 October 2008 http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7649109.stm Joseba Etxeberria has signed a one-year contract extension with Athletic Bilbao which will see him play the final season of his career for nothing. The former Spain international agreed the deal with his current contract due to expire at the end of this season. Etxeberria said he wanted to end his career as an Athletic player, adding: "I wanted to do this gesture but never did I want to set a precedent." Midfielder Etxeberria, 31, joined the club from Real Sociedad aged 17. He hopes to reach the landmark of having played 500 games when he retires after a 15-year career at San Mames. "It's an idea I've had for years," added Etxeberria, who played at the 1998 World Cup and two European Championships for Spain. Club president Fernando Garcia Macua said: "From the club's standpoint there are not words enough to thank such a gesture."
Maybes Posted 2 October 2008 Posted 2 October 2008 Always thought he was a good player. Managed to break into the spainish squad for euro 2008. He is an Athletic hero and fair play to the chap.
Samilktray Posted 2 October 2008 Posted 2 October 2008 I always remember him wearing funky coloured Kelme boots. I think they were Kelme.
Asha Posted 2 October 2008 Posted 2 October 2008 Didn't Baggio do something similar toward the end of his career?
dandannieldanok Posted 2 October 2008 Posted 2 October 2008 Anyone know why he is retiring at 31/32? Seems a bit young to me.
Alexikokopops Posted 2 October 2008 Posted 2 October 2008 Didn't Baggio do something similar toward the end of his career? I know Tomassi accepted youth wages at Roma (instigated by himself) after he was out for over a year. Don't remember Baggio doing anything though.
Jimmy Posted 2 October 2008 Posted 2 October 2008 Anyone know why he is retiring at 31/32? Seems a bit young to me. was thinking the same thing
Darkzzz_ Posted 2 October 2008 Posted 2 October 2008 I think he has been a very under-rated footballer. He has been a excellent servant to Athletic Bilbao and when ever I have watched him, he has been very consistant. Fair play to the man, It would be nice to see less greed in the game.
Lovejoy Posted 3 October 2008 Posted 3 October 2008 Fair play to the bloke. Can you imagine someone like Gerrard doing something like that ?
JoeyB Posted 3 October 2008 Posted 3 October 2008 Didnt Louis Saha say he would of played for nothing at everton or something along those lines?
Jimmy Posted 3 October 2008 Posted 3 October 2008 Didnt Louis Saha say he would of played for nothing at everton or something along those lines? he offered to give back his wages during any time he spent injured, basically a pay-as-you-play deal but Everton said no
Lovejoy Posted 3 October 2008 Posted 3 October 2008 he offered to give back his wages during any time he spent injured, basically a pay-as-you-play deal but Everton said no Jolly decent of him.
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