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."