Real Sociedad captain Xabi Prieto (pictured right) does not believe Inigo Martinez’s (centre) shock move Basque rivals to Athletic Bilbao is a ‘step up’ in his career.
The 34-year-old confessed he was disappointed in the defender’s decision to move to the San Mames last month, to replace the outgoing Aymeric Laporte.
“Athletic is not a step up from La Real,” Prieto told Noticias de Gipuzkoa.
“On a sporting level at least it is not an improvement, perhaps it is economically but I do not know for sure, but I wish Inigo all the best apart from when he plays us.
“He was honest with me about his decision to leave, but I could sense it before he confirmed and well, I let him knew my thoughts about it.
“It was a personal decision for him and nobody can complain about what he has decided to do for himself.”
