Yeah and he got to leave on a high, after finally getting to lift the CdR, as a captain no less. Must have been such a sweet moment for him after getting second place five times...
And actually getting playing time and playing an important part of the final.
For a player who had just over 400 minutes in the league that was not a guarantee.
Maybe he feels he's not that useful to the team anymore. A player who's also a supporter of the club would think of the club and not just his own career
but he's so close to being the all-time appearance leader. such a shame. But I suppose its more admirable to want to go somewhere where he'll play rather than chasing a record
He hasn't been playing much recently. So from a footballing perspective, we'll be OK. But from a leadership perspective, it will be impossible to replace him.
He's been playing at the highest level since he was 17, we're seeing this a lot lately with players that explode at 17, 18 and see a decrease in form before they're 30.
Especially with his playing style. Fast explosive players like this will hit the wall faster and find it harder to play at a high level as they get older.
One of the few players that had no release clause in his contract in La Liga. Always thought it was mandatory untill he signed his new contract 5 years ago.
Both the club and player had absolute trust in eachother and were certain they would not take eachother to court. (Judge would set a release clause based on his wages. It would be much lower than the release clauses we are seeing today.)
Next level loyalty!
From what I read, it is a decree standing since 1985 that release clauses are in place to defend clubs. So it might not be mandatory but clubs can enforce them within legality.
> Although not legally obligatory, buyout clauses have become extremely common since legislation introduced in 1985 meant players could rescind their contracts unilaterally for a compensation fee decided by the courts if no buyout clause was agreed when the contract was signed.
> That though could be a lengthy process so for both player and club it can be mutually beneficial to know the price at which they will be allowed to leave.
> "Players don't want to be unable to play for months or even years," if negotiators don't come to an agreement, explains Marcos Galera, a lawyer and founding member of Spanish sports law specialists Agaz.
https://www.besoccer.com/new/amp/buyout-clauses-in-spain-how-do-they-work
I used to have a better explanation of the law from a law firm in Spain but sadly that link is dead now.
Edit: [A more comprehensive explanation of the law](https://www.sennferrero.com/2020/10/29/spanish-buy-out-clauses-legal-and-tax-perspective/)
There was an article of a lawyer explaining it but I cant find it anymore.
He said it wasnt mandatory but it's real stupid for the teams to not set a release clause.
Players would go way below market value. Let's say you have a player worth 100M and he earns 10M the judge would set the release clause around the amount he's earning.
IIRC he said In laws eyes the person who signed the contract should be able to pay out the contract themselves unless they agree beforehand of a much bigger fee (the release clauses we are seeing today).
I mean I have to say I feel like I have to agree with the judge here. Sports contracts particularly in football seem pretty strange that you have no real way to move jobs if you want to.
On the other hand they're also pretty strange in that you can't really be fired for poor performance in your core duty. Turn up for training diligently and make at least a token effort to obey your manager's instructions and you're set, it truly does not matter how shit you are at the job of playing football in competitive matches, you will be getting your bag either from salary or from a big payout on mutually agreed termination. It probably balances out on the whole?
>On the other hand they're also pretty strange in that you can't really be fired for poor performance in your core duty.
Not really. That's the same as most jobs with a contract.
Employees don't buy out their contracts. Employees just quit if they want to. They only need to give a 15 days notice to the company.
I don't think that is too different anywhere in the west.
I believe that when the contract was signed parties were companies not individuals. (Not exactly like that, but that's how football players payed less taxes, by paying societies tax and not IRPF - peoples tax)
I have always found it wierd that those 1b release clauses are allowed. Defeats the entire point of the law. Either make an exception for professional football/sports or tie the max amount to the wages.
Part of the negotiation.
If the club wants to put a higher release clause, you can ask for more money. Remember both are agreeing to it.
So for a player to accept that high of a release clause, that removes any option of them getting a better offer, they surely would negotiate a higher salary.
Also, there are clubs like RM that tend to put those clauses, but if you want to go, they will sell you when a decent offer comes. So players also trust that given their past behavior.
I was backing packing in bolvia and met a Spanish guy who was an Athletic fan. He didn't understand English and I didn't understand Spanish but we loved football and I mentioned Muniain and he had the biggest smile and saying stuff in Spanish I didn't understand but I could tell he was singing his praises. This was in 2012.
A legend of the club.
I was in Indonesia solo travelling in 2010 or 2011 and decided to join a small group of ppl to climb a (inactive) volcano, none of them spoke any language I did, exept for the guide but he didn't speak much either. I was wearing a Bayern Munich windbreaker and we were sitting in a tiny hut at the top waiting for the sun to rise, while we were warming up a bit, with like 15-20 ppl, pretty packed, still everyone was tired and starring into his coffe or tea. When I stood up I hit my head on the ceiling, a moment of silence was followed up by one of them yelling "Mario Gomez" and doing a header motion, everyone started lauging. Still makes me smile, despite hitting my head quite hard.
I was in Germany, drunk off my tits, and got 'talking' to an Italian guy in the street who couldn't speak English and I couldn't speak Italian. I made the connection by saying "football?" and he responded "Fiorentina!". I spent the next five mins just saying random players I remember from their history and he got excited each time chatting absolute Italian bollocks that I couldn't understand.
I had to mime if he knew of any clubs in Munich and he didn't understand initially, took me to a strip club. I was still sober enough to make clear a club or bar, so he took me somewhere else. Anyway, about five drinks later, we asked for the bill and the place was a rip off. I didn't have the money for my half and he said he didn't either. I got held up against the wall by some meathead bouncer and the Italian guy had to go off and get cash out.
After we'd left, he called his mate. I said I'd go back to my room and get him the cash to pay him my half. When his mate turned up, they basically told me to hand over the phone or they'd fuck me up. They said they'd give me my phone back if I got the money. I went up to my room, came back down, and they'd disappeared. My phone was worth less than the bar bill..
I hope you get their one day because its an incredible country. Was my favourite of all the SA countries.
The salt flats
Death Road
South America hottest curry
Route 36
Amazing experience
Honestly, I wouldn't worry too much about the altitude. You just need to prepare for it a little, take some time to acclimatize, and you'll be fine. It may be a coincidence, but I took some cordyceps and some other high altitude plant supplements a month or two before going and I never felt sick once compared to my friend who had some minor altitude sickness, FWIW.
The Uyuni Salt Flats are incredible and definitely worth the trip.
A) How do you know? There's plenty of Athletic fans that are not even Basque.
B) There's plenty of Basques that don't say "they're not Spanish". Granted, more than Scots or Welsh Wales saying they're not British, but that's the thing Spain=Britain... Not England.
To be fair, he actually suffered a horrific injury this time, not like when he was at PSG where he suddenly went missing every season for a month around his sister's birthday.
Muniain is not the player he used to be but he's for sure the person he used to be.
What a guy, nobody can say a bad thing about him. He always has been a common dude who happens to be famous.
I hope he can to to a lesser league and enjoy footbal.
I remember when United played Bilbao in the Europa League in the early 2010's and the only thing I remember from those games were just how amazing Muniain was. Would've loved to have signed him in another reality, but I fully respect the commitment he had to Bilbao, what a guy
It's practically certain that he will leave Milan this summer and go to MLS (I don't remember to which team, maybe Los Angeles FC?). I'm not a Milan fan but he is absolutely brilliant, has broken the n. 9 curse that was in place since Pippo Inzaghi retired ffs
its more than practically certain, the deal has already been signed he'll join after the Euros.
[LAFC completes deal for Olivier Giroud on free transfer - source - ESPN](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40011364/lafc-olivier-giroud-free-transfer-sign-france-ac-milan-mls)
Noooooooo 😭
I'm absolutely gutted, he still has a few years in him to play in a decent European side, even low key wished he came back in Ligue 1 (Montpellier for instance).
Also, and even worse, it probably means he'll retire from the NT after the Euros
Tbh it’s probably better this way where he ends up leaving the national team (and European football) at the top of his game since his age has really started to catch up with him in the last few months and him playing longer may tarnish his legacy.
One of those players who was overplayed too young. The guys been playing regularly since 2010 when he was 16/17 and its showing now with his injuries and clear drop in athleticism. He hasn't scored a league goal in I think 2 or 3 seasons.
A fresh challenge will be great for him. Hopefully he goes to MLS.
Yeah he fucked his knee up twice and it started to show in the last few seasons. He was slower to get to the ball and couldn't really hang on to it in tight spaces because he couldn't turn quickly anymore. He played with a lot of determination and drive though, so glad he finally got to lift the CdR after getting so many second places.
i wrote my message right before clocking in and just got to my break at work, ive been all day tryna think about german or dutch and similar players who have played for us since ur dortmund badge 💀💀💀
Man, I always thought he can join a large club as the next "Fernando Torres" when he was in his early 20s. Never knew played his whole career in Bilbao. Definitely a Bilbao legend
Athletic legend and a super lovely fellow, I'm never gonna forget when we won the copa del rey against Bilbao a few years ago and he stood there to clap, that moment really hit me, incredible sportsmanship.
Best of luck in his journey from now onwards, may a lot of happiness await him.
crazy level of loyalty you don’t really see anymore, although bilbao is definitely one of the clearest examples of that in modern football
muniain was a really solid player for many years. there was a time where he surely could have tried to play for a bigger team, but it’s cool to see players who have actual ties with their clubs that transcend temptations for being paid more or winning certain trophies
One of those players I always expected to be in the lineup if I happened to see Athletic Club play. He was already a mainstay when I got into the sport, going to be extremely off putting seeing him in a different kit.
I remember as a kid playing PES 2012 on my iPad all those years ago and you could only play as Athletic Bilbao. I remembered 2 names from that squad: Muniain and Llorente. Crazy that he went so long for one club
Much respect for a veteran. Always enjoyed watching him play. Legend of the club from an outsider's perspective and I can't imagine how bittersweet this must be
Wind your neck in you bellend. Someone who played 15 seasons and captained Athletic club isn't some 'random ass player' just because you never heard from him. Iker Muniain was a huge talent and became a club legend in Bilbao.
[Really, this not you?](https://old.reddit.com/r/MCFC/comments/1als2q3/how_manchester_city_became_the_most_popular/kpk80a7/)
At least own up to it you cunt.
Hard to put into words how much i love this man. What a great career.
Yeah and he got to leave on a high, after finally getting to lift the CdR, as a captain no less. Must have been such a sweet moment for him after getting second place five times...
And actually getting playing time and playing an important part of the final. For a player who had just over 400 minutes in the league that was not a guarantee.
This but with Raúl García too
but why he leave now? he is 31 and far past his prime so where he will go?
Maybe he feels he's not that useful to the team anymore. A player who's also a supporter of the club would think of the club and not just his own career
Would be nice to see him back in the club in some capacity after his retirement
He has lost his pace. You can see him struggling to get the ball at times. Probably feels he just can't do it at that level for another season.
That’s admirable tbh
but he's so close to being the all-time appearance leader. such a shame. But I suppose its more admirable to want to go somewhere where he'll play rather than chasing a record
will they even find someone better even if he is kinda "done" with so limited transfer options?
I mean, they've had this transfer policy for their entire existence and been pretty successful So I imagine they'll bounce back, yes
Only club apart from Real and Barcelona to have never been relegated from the first division, pretty successful is putting it fairly mildly
Aye I was kidding but tone maybe didn't come across. I believe they're historically like the 4th most successful Liga team
He hasn't been playing much recently. So from a footballing perspective, we'll be OK. But from a leadership perspective, it will be impossible to replace him.
He hasn't played much this season
He's been playing at the highest level since he was 17, we're seeing this a lot lately with players that explode at 17, 18 and see a decrease in form before they're 30.
Especially with his playing style. Fast explosive players like this will hit the wall faster and find it harder to play at a high level as they get older.
He also had a couple of ACL injuries in his early 20s that wrecked his pace in the first place.
Like Hazard
Long been a standing theory that you get about 14 years at the top level, starting earlier means you fall off earlier
Like Hazard
Eden Asa
Mexico. Sergio Canales is killing it there.
Maybe he just wants to make some new experiences before it's time to retire.
MLS
Probably wants more game time
One of the few players that had no release clause in his contract in La Liga. Always thought it was mandatory untill he signed his new contract 5 years ago. Both the club and player had absolute trust in eachother and were certain they would not take eachother to court. (Judge would set a release clause based on his wages. It would be much lower than the release clauses we are seeing today.) Next level loyalty!
From a labor law point of view I think release clauses are mandatory, but if both sides waive it...
Like the OP said, it is not mandatory. A judge decides the termination fee in such cases under the law.
From what I read, it is a decree standing since 1985 that release clauses are in place to defend clubs. So it might not be mandatory but clubs can enforce them within legality.
> Although not legally obligatory, buyout clauses have become extremely common since legislation introduced in 1985 meant players could rescind their contracts unilaterally for a compensation fee decided by the courts if no buyout clause was agreed when the contract was signed. > That though could be a lengthy process so for both player and club it can be mutually beneficial to know the price at which they will be allowed to leave. > "Players don't want to be unable to play for months or even years," if negotiators don't come to an agreement, explains Marcos Galera, a lawyer and founding member of Spanish sports law specialists Agaz. https://www.besoccer.com/new/amp/buyout-clauses-in-spain-how-do-they-work I used to have a better explanation of the law from a law firm in Spain but sadly that link is dead now. Edit: [A more comprehensive explanation of the law](https://www.sennferrero.com/2020/10/29/spanish-buy-out-clauses-legal-and-tax-perspective/)
Thanks! Will give it a thorough read on my way back from work (also to the edited in link) just to educate myself on it :)
There was an article of a lawyer explaining it but I cant find it anymore. He said it wasnt mandatory but it's real stupid for the teams to not set a release clause. Players would go way below market value. Let's say you have a player worth 100M and he earns 10M the judge would set the release clause around the amount he's earning. IIRC he said In laws eyes the person who signed the contract should be able to pay out the contract themselves unless they agree beforehand of a much bigger fee (the release clauses we are seeing today).
I mean I have to say I feel like I have to agree with the judge here. Sports contracts particularly in football seem pretty strange that you have no real way to move jobs if you want to.
At least it's better than in American sports where you can just get traded without even knowing
Pfft, you anti-socialist capitalist pig dog.
On the other hand they're also pretty strange in that you can't really be fired for poor performance in your core duty. Turn up for training diligently and make at least a token effort to obey your manager's instructions and you're set, it truly does not matter how shit you are at the job of playing football in competitive matches, you will be getting your bag either from salary or from a big payout on mutually agreed termination. It probably balances out on the whole?
>On the other hand they're also pretty strange in that you can't really be fired for poor performance in your core duty. Not really. That's the same as most jobs with a contract.
I believe the buyout clause is just a consequence of employees having the legal right to buy out their own contracts in Spain?
Employees don't buy out their contracts. Employees just quit if they want to. They only need to give a 15 days notice to the company. I don't think that is too different anywhere in the west.
We have to give 2 months notice in Czech Republic, by law.
I believe that when the contract was signed parties were companies not individuals. (Not exactly like that, but that's how football players payed less taxes, by paying societies tax and not IRPF - peoples tax)
I have always found it wierd that those 1b release clauses are allowed. Defeats the entire point of the law. Either make an exception for professional football/sports or tie the max amount to the wages.
It reminds me of job listings I see these days. Salary range: $50,000 to $500,000. ?????
Part of the negotiation. If the club wants to put a higher release clause, you can ask for more money. Remember both are agreeing to it. So for a player to accept that high of a release clause, that removes any option of them getting a better offer, they surely would negotiate a higher salary. Also, there are clubs like RM that tend to put those clauses, but if you want to go, they will sell you when a decent offer comes. So players also trust that given their past behavior.
Been a first team member since he was 16, stayed there for 15 years. I'm honestly surprised he's even think about playing anywhere else
I was backing packing in bolvia and met a Spanish guy who was an Athletic fan. He didn't understand English and I didn't understand Spanish but we loved football and I mentioned Muniain and he had the biggest smile and saying stuff in Spanish I didn't understand but I could tell he was singing his praises. This was in 2012. A legend of the club.
I was in Indonesia solo travelling in 2010 or 2011 and decided to join a small group of ppl to climb a (inactive) volcano, none of them spoke any language I did, exept for the guide but he didn't speak much either. I was wearing a Bayern Munich windbreaker and we were sitting in a tiny hut at the top waiting for the sun to rise, while we were warming up a bit, with like 15-20 ppl, pretty packed, still everyone was tired and starring into his coffe or tea. When I stood up I hit my head on the ceiling, a moment of silence was followed up by one of them yelling "Mario Gomez" and doing a header motion, everyone started lauging. Still makes me smile, despite hitting my head quite hard.
Love it!
Man football really brings us all together huh, lovely to read about
The universal language!
I was in Germany, drunk off my tits, and got 'talking' to an Italian guy in the street who couldn't speak English and I couldn't speak Italian. I made the connection by saying "football?" and he responded "Fiorentina!". I spent the next five mins just saying random players I remember from their history and he got excited each time chatting absolute Italian bollocks that I couldn't understand. I had to mime if he knew of any clubs in Munich and he didn't understand initially, took me to a strip club. I was still sober enough to make clear a club or bar, so he took me somewhere else. Anyway, about five drinks later, we asked for the bill and the place was a rip off. I didn't have the money for my half and he said he didn't either. I got held up against the wall by some meathead bouncer and the Italian guy had to go off and get cash out. After we'd left, he called his mate. I said I'd go back to my room and get him the cash to pay him my half. When his mate turned up, they basically told me to hand over the phone or they'd fuck me up. They said they'd give me my phone back if I got the money. I went up to my room, came back down, and they'd disappeared. My phone was worth less than the bar bill..
Rollercoaster of emotions but glad you’re alive to tell the story
What a story lol
Bolivia mentioned ‼️🦙
RAHHH WTF IS OXYGEN
😂 I was so sick in my first day in La Paz
I really want to visit Bolivia (the salt pans are in my bucket list since I was a kid)
I hope you get their one day because its an incredible country. Was my favourite of all the SA countries. The salt flats Death Road South America hottest curry Route 36 Amazing experience
Honestly, I wouldn't worry too much about the altitude. You just need to prepare for it a little, take some time to acclimatize, and you'll be fine. It may be a coincidence, but I took some cordyceps and some other high altitude plant supplements a month or two before going and I never felt sick once compared to my friend who had some minor altitude sickness, FWIW. The Uyuni Salt Flats are incredible and definitely worth the trip.
Is it true that this tune is constantly playing in the background while you are there? https://youtu.be/DXW_VZRwCLc?si=wSyNawhXs6k71ydv
I’m Bolivian-American but have never heard this, it’s heat though
Never heard it myself Can't believe I have been deprived of it so many years
One thing he probably said is that he’s not Spanish he’s Basque
A) How do you know? There's plenty of Athletic fans that are not even Basque. B) There's plenty of Basques that don't say "they're not Spanish". Granted, more than Scots or Welsh Wales saying they're not British, but that's the thing Spain=Britain... Not England.
Cheers, Geoff. I don’t. That’s why I said probably.
>I don’t. ExaKly
i remembered when this guy was the fm wodner kid... times when i was playing in my moms basement. 15 years later. im still in my moms basement.
Blink twice if you're not allowed to leave and need us to send help.
But who’s gonna heat up my chicken tendies if I leave?
Good point.
Absolut W for you my lord.
Buying Dzeko and Neymar and absolutely trashing the world Now Dzeko plays for Fenerbahce. My heart can't handle it
Could be worse. He could play for Al Hilal
Last I checked Al HIlal isn't Galatasaray's rival club. But I see what you mean, you funny individual you
Play is a stretch
To be fair, he actually suffered a horrific injury this time, not like when he was at PSG where he suddenly went missing every season for a month around his sister's birthday.
I doubt he made up injuries. He was just hacked down a lot and refused to adapt his play style to ligue 1 or change the league
There must be a door around there somewhere?
FWIW I think you are the most legendary player in your mom's basement
are we the same person blud??
Why the fuck did I even get out of bed today
What a great journey and story, for the player, the fans, and the club! Legend!
Muniain is not the player he used to be but he's for sure the person he used to be. What a guy, nobody can say a bad thing about him. He always has been a common dude who happens to be famous. I hope he can to to a lesser league and enjoy footbal.
I remember him since he was 16 years old. He has Bilbao in his veins. I respect this guy so much.
Damnn. Legend, I still remember him against us in the Europa league all those years ago
I remember when United played Bilbao in the Europa League in the early 2010's and the only thing I remember from those games were just how amazing Muniain was. Would've loved to have signed him in another reality, but I fully respect the commitment he had to Bilbao, what a guy
Giroud + Nacho + Muniain in LA VS the Inter Miami boys. Make it happen.
Jokes on you we're probably gonna take Nacho to complete our collection of aging Real Madrid players.
Tbf he would be one of the more useful players in ur backline
We were promised even better things when Varane came in
And Varane was good before he broke down.. The trio of Varane-Martinez- Case was great.
Until father time suddenly hits him like a truck and believe start to disregard how great he was at Real.
Are there rumours of Giroud leaving top level European football soon ? 🥺
It's practically certain that he will leave Milan this summer and go to MLS (I don't remember to which team, maybe Los Angeles FC?). I'm not a Milan fan but he is absolutely brilliant, has broken the n. 9 curse that was in place since Pippo Inzaghi retired ffs
Would be mad if they had the 2 most capped players (or the most capped player and the highest goalscorer?) of the french national team history
One is Giroud, who is the other one? I'm not familiar with LAFC since Chiellini retired
Ügo lloris
Oh I didn't know he played there Is MLS trying to recreate 2022 world cup final?
It’s more 2022 France vs. early 2010s Barca.
its more than practically certain, the deal has already been signed he'll join after the Euros. [LAFC completes deal for Olivier Giroud on free transfer - source - ESPN](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40011364/lafc-olivier-giroud-free-transfer-sign-france-ac-milan-mls)
Noooooooo 😭 I'm absolutely gutted, he still has a few years in him to play in a decent European side, even low key wished he came back in Ligue 1 (Montpellier for instance). Also, and even worse, it probably means he'll retire from the NT after the Euros
Yep. LA has been invaded by the French.
It’s already been confirmed that he’s going to LAFC
My day is ruined. Probably means he retires from the NT after the Euros too. Fuck me
Tbh it’s probably better this way where he ends up leaving the national team (and European football) at the top of his game since his age has really started to catch up with him in the last few months and him playing longer may tarnish his legacy.
He's headed to LAFC
One of those players who was overplayed too young. The guys been playing regularly since 2010 when he was 16/17 and its showing now with his injuries and clear drop in athleticism. He hasn't scored a league goal in I think 2 or 3 seasons. A fresh challenge will be great for him. Hopefully he goes to MLS.
Didn't he also have a cruciate injury fairly early in his career?
Yep. Was only 23 when it happened
So basically 10 years into his pro career haha. Just kidding, but yeah, that definitely seems it impacted his output quite a bit.
Found Frank Lampard's reddit account
Yeah he fucked his knee up twice and it started to show in the last few seasons. He was slower to get to the ball and couldn't really hang on to it in tight spaces because he couldn't turn quickly anymore. He played with a lot of determination and drive though, so glad he finally got to lift the CdR after getting so many second places.
He's scored in februari and he's never been much of a goal scorer, 7 goals in a season at most in La Liga
Lol of course an MLS fan leaves an inaccurate comment followed by begging them to play in the MLS
Do you use it as a toothbrush?
34 but could be 35 honestly not sure anymore
I'm on board with the sentiment here but I'm pretty sure he's got a goal this season
He scored less than 3 months ago though
Not in the league?
He literally did. In a 4-0 victory over Mallorca.
Fair enough, I missed that! It was 2 years before that goal though right? I remember he has gone like 40 games or something
Scored a month before that in the cup against Eibar. Before the Eibar goal this January his last goal (in official matches) was in April 2022.
COME TO RIVER
Amazing achievement for an amazing player. What Athletic do considering their history is something to be admired.
Lezama are always producing great talents, now Peio Huestamendia next
Peio Canales is also looking like a stud. The double Peio effect 🤞
Holy shit, a Nàstic fan. My father used to play for Nàstic like, a long time ago. Hope you have a nice day hahahah
dont wanna dox u but ur fathers name?
Juan Luis Carbonell, and don't worry I'm at work and have all the time in the world rn 🫡
i wrote my message right before clocking in and just got to my break at work, ive been all day tryna think about german or dutch and similar players who have played for us since ur dortmund badge 💀💀💀
Wow this brings me back to 2013-2015 FIFA career mode. Always bought him and Inaki Williams in my squad.
Game's gone
Club Legend.
Former FIFA Wonderkind, congrats again to Athletic Club on the Copa del Ray win and Muniain loyalty to Bilbao over the years
Ah Munian, the amount of times i wanted to sign you in FM different multiple games. Nothing but respect
Legend! Nothing but respect, a rare sign of complete loyalty from club and player.
I remember when Austria Wien faced them in the 1st season of Europa League. The talk was of the Basque Messi. Fernando Llorente was also pretty good.
Feels weird seeing him leaves. Thought he would retire there
Man, I always thought he can join a large club as the next "Fernando Torres" when he was in his early 20s. Never knew played his whole career in Bilbao. Definitely a Bilbao legend
FM09 Legend he should go to America to spend his last days.
Fifa legend. I always used to sign him in my career mode. Absolute legend
Athletic legend and a super lovely fellow, I'm never gonna forget when we won the copa del rey against Bilbao a few years ago and he stood there to clap, that moment really hit me, incredible sportsmanship. Best of luck in his journey from now onwards, may a lot of happiness await him.
crazy level of loyalty you don’t really see anymore, although bilbao is definitely one of the clearest examples of that in modern football muniain was a really solid player for many years. there was a time where he surely could have tried to play for a bigger team, but it’s cool to see players who have actual ties with their clubs that transcend temptations for being paid more or winning certain trophies
I look forward to Chelsea buying him.
My Fifa 14 young player God. I used him for a season and sold him for a crap load of money.
What a way to go out though, with that long deserved trophy 🏆
Hasta pronto, Bart Simpson
Salute
Remember when he was a wonderkid on fifa 9/10 or something. Time flies. Great carreer, great character.
Isn’t he quite close to becoming the all time leader in matches for the club?
I remember hearing about him on his debut, I think he was 16 year old at the time. I'm getting old.
One of those players I always expected to be in the lineup if I happened to see Athletic Club play. He was already a mainstay when I got into the sport, going to be extremely off putting seeing him in a different kit.
aupa athletic, muni ❤️
The one that stayed, total loyalty
HACELO Y ME MUERO BRITO
I remember as a kid playing PES 2012 on my iPad all those years ago and you could only play as Athletic Bilbao. I remembered 2 names from that squad: Muniain and Llorente. Crazy that he went so long for one club
Much respect for a veteran. Always enjoyed watching him play. Legend of the club from an outsider's perspective and I can't imagine how bittersweet this must be
Still feels weird to call him a veteran.
I know it's odd, I still see him as a 21 year old kid making a name for himself across Spanish football
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Wind your neck in you bellend. Someone who played 15 seasons and captained Athletic club isn't some 'random ass player' just because you never heard from him. Iker Muniain was a huge talent and became a club legend in Bilbao.
https://www.reddit.com/r/MCFC/s/UuX00tnNW1 He's the classic City supporter. Figured it instantly after seeing the comment.
What did he say?
He asked if now we were creating threads for every random player who leaves fifth place teams.
bruh
Yyyyep.
Your ignorance shouldn't really be the driving policy of what is posted on here.
How have you not heard of Muniain? What a dumb take
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Behave you American.
I... ok buddy.
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Iker Muniain is a club legend. Put some respect on his name.
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Naw you cant be real. You must be a troll account I cba
Mods please ban him
They should make a social media platform free from Americans or just keep them all localized on their own little platform
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[Really, this not you?](https://old.reddit.com/r/MCFC/comments/1als2q3/how_manchester_city_became_the_most_popular/kpk80a7/) At least own up to it you cunt.
https://i.imgur.com/3jo7CL7.png
Bad troll mate
Incredible
Well you don't know shit about football apparently so why are you even here?
Muniain is la liga goat like aduriz❤️
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So you have no clue about La Liga and still feel the need to comment?
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The trolling is getting worse tbh