Xabi Prieto: ‘Probably my last season’

Real Sociedad skipper Xabi Prieto has intimated that the current season could possibly be his last as he nears retirement.

The veteran 34-year-old [pictured, right] has spent his entire professional career with La Real and, speaking before his team take on Macedonian team Vardar in the Europa League on Thursday, he admits he may hang up his boots next May.

“Right now I am trying to enjoy the day-to-day training and the matches, knowing that this will probably be my last season.

“But I have the peace of mind to know that when the moment arrives to decide I will speak to the President, Jokin Apperibay, and do what is best for both myself and the club,” he told Radio Marca Donostia.

Xabi, who penned a year’s extension to his contract a few months ago, acknowledged that last weekend’s win at Alaves was vital after the recent run of poor results and is looking forward to the clash with Vardar.

“Logically, when you are on a bad run and conceding a lot of goals there will be some doubts, so it was important to keep the goals to zero and that has boosted confidence and morale.

“We had to fight until the last minute in the last game of last season in Vigo to be able to play in these type of games, so were going there with the hope of enjoying ourselves and getting a good result.

“If you are capable of enjoying yourself for 90 minutes then it means you are competing. That’s what we are going to do and, above all, try to take the three points,” he added.

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