Ten years!

After much fighting, he died that day Jose Iragorrithe great hoss. A man larger than tall. His last months served to organize clippings and memories, to star in the iconic farewell with the number 8 shirt of Julen Guerrero from the watchtower of the old cabin of La Catedral, to also occupy their seat with the family in a new and modern San Mamés after recounting their last cods. We happened to see the arch of San Mamés raised for its transfer before the demolition of others that are in modern Lezama, very new compared to what you saw formed in the 70s that accompanied some future champions of that group with Clemente made history.

Among the images we experienced and enjoyed this April 11, with the iconic Gabarra and the ‘Soñar’, in a window is written “Aitite, look at your Athletic Txapeldun”. He introduced himself to an aitite, Luis Mari, a memory that will be extended not only to him but to all those who could not cope, coped, that 40 years later saw another Athletic champion. When I saw this, the second I thought of was another one that said “Look hoss your Athletic Txapeldun”. It was an incredible time that you must have enjoyed like no one else singing cod to all those troops above, or telling them how our people crossed the estuary supported by so many fans that we always trust that will happen again.

Ten years later you are still in our memories. We have, as you know, another Cup and two more Super Cups. Our philosophy has not changed, it is still valid. Although football prefers other models to photocopy each other, lost in the search for business and success at any price, our Athletic continues on its path. There are people who, wrongly, are missing out on being part of Athletic, as you said.

You have been aitite for a long time and Gurutze a proud mother. San Mamés and Athletic remember you and will remember you forever. One of the rooms in San Mamés, the one most closely associated with your profession, bears your name. Is there more pride for an athlete journalist than naming the Cathedral press room? Those who have been climbing there in recent years have surely told you thank you to the people who treated and supported you. How we vibrated with your stories and discussions! You introduce the local sports reporter who is an Athletic fan. After ten years, it’s hard to imagine that you are retired and away from Popu. You will proceed to the foot of the canyon forming a team with Raoulhooked on what you love most and enjoying the recent wave and traveling to Europe again, for sure.

And how can we not remember Iragorri having fun: karaoke, friends, a game of dice, a few beers after radio talk shows, the gym before going down to Mazarredo… the other Hoss.

Signed by one of the many who passed through those debate nights and knew you at a distance who now remember you with nostalgia and sadness. It’s impossible to forget you.

Happy summer!