Ander Iturraspe believes Athletic Bilbao have a positive future and says winning the title is his ultimate goal.
The midfielder has been interviewed by AS and he reflected on what was a breakthrough year for him as he helped Athletic into the Champions League and broke into the Spain squad.
“I’m moving forward. You always want more, to play and feel important,” Iturraspe said.
“I’m looking to achieve something significant with Athletic. The ultimate would be to win the title. In the end things didn’t go that way but we’re close. There will be more opportunities.
“I want to keep improving. When you think you can’t improve more, you go down. I’ve taken important steps.”
When asked about his targets for the coming season, the 25-year-old looked to continental competition.
“To enter [the Champions League] group stage would be a tremendous step. We want to know our opponents [in the play-off],” he added.
“We’re looking forward. It’s the biggest competition for teams and we have to be there.
“We’re going to play a great team. Maybe Zenit St Petersburg, and perhaps the most powerful are Napoli and Arsenal. There will be mutual respect.”
Iturraspe also insisted he has not had the chance to leave San Mames, doesn’t want to, and revealed his surprise at Ander Herrera joining Manchester United.
“I hope to stay for a long time. I want to maintain a high level of playing if my body allows,” he continued.
“When [Herrera told me he would go] I didn’t believe it. It was a shock. He’s an incredible player.”
