Goodbyes are almost always bittersweet and don’t hurt as much because we’ve been waiting for them. They leave a void that is sometimes difficult to fill and bring with them thousands of unforgettable memories that, however, remain forever in memory. A feeling that in recent weeks has been very palpable at Athletic due to the departure at the end of the season of Raúl García and Iker Muniain, two of the players most beloved by the red and white fans.
Zizur Mayor’s man will hang up his boots permanently after a long career that will end in Bilbao. His professionalism has led him to receive a lot of praise from the same fans who once doubted his arrival. Undoubtedly, a footballer who leaves great memories in his home for nine seasons.
And when our athletics had not digested the departure of ‘Rulo’, this past Wednesday Iker Muniain, the great captain, announced that he will also leave the club when the season ends. A new blow, harder if possible, leaving the team orphaned by a legend. There are many words to define one from Txantrea.
A player who has dedicated his body and soul to Athletic since he made his debut at the age of 16, and due to football issues will not be able to fulfill his destiny to retire from the club of his life and become ‘ One Club Man’. A former little Bart Simpson of Bilbao left the big door and with all the honors not only for winning the Copa del Rey, but for everything he had done for Athletic and the legacy he was leaving behind.
Although this moment may never seem to come, the golden age of the great red and white stars of the 19th century is coming to an end. Some stars that vibrate us for years are gradually fading, making way for the smallest and brightest stars. A symptom that our youngest is also getting older. We grew up watching footballers like Muniain himself, Óscar de Marcos or Ander Herrera play. Players who have marked an era and gradually it is time to say goodbye.
But this is not all. We may have more tears to shed this season, as the departures of Iker Muniain and Raúl García may also be accompanied by a De Marcos who has yet to decide his future. The curtain closes, the lights go out and a magical performance ends where these footballers – who are already Athletic legends – make us dream big. New phase, new stars and great things to do in this centenary club.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
