I still have a lot to offer – Aduriz

Aritz Aduriz still believes he has ‘a lot to offer’ to Athletic Bilbao after signing a new contract at San Mames on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old, who has netted 156 goals for the club to date, signed a new deal with the Basque club that will see him remain at Athletic Club until 2018. (http://www.football-espana.net/62189/new-athletic-aduriz-deal)

"I'm thrilled to continue a further year with my dream, which is to continue to play at Athletic, and I'm very grateful to the club president, to the coach and to my teammates," Aduriz was quoted as saying by Marca.

"I'm very proud to continue here.

"I've got a lot of challenges pending and those motivate me a lot, not just from a collective standpoint but from an individual one. I still have a lot to offer Athletic – not just for this season but for the next."

Boss Ernesto Valverde also expressed his delight at the deal.

"Aduriz is a special case," Valverde told Marca.

"It's unusual to see strikers like him with his age. He has had more recognition in his career since he turned 30, which is when he has given more continuity and his performances have improved.

"We need to learn from him, from his tenacity and the fact that he has never given up. Aduriz has a lot to teach us.

"The (contract) news is good for the club and for him. Not just for what he is giving us right now but because of what he can give us next season."

Tags Aritz Aduriz Ernesto Valverde
La Liga - Club News