Athletic Bilbao’s striker is finding it difficult to swallow the fans’ criticism. He has returned to the Basque side, however, since the revelation of his possible departure, Bilbao’s supporters have not been very supportive.
After winning the Euro 2012, El Rey Leon had to deal with a lot of speculation over his career with the Basque club. However, he has stood firm on his ground stating that nobody should give him a difficult time for wanting to leave the cub after all he’s
done for them.
He has been a member of the Basque force since 2005. With more than 200 appearances for his team, the 27-year-old was a blessing last season, scoring thirty goals in all the competitions his club attended.
El Rey Leon has stated that he is hurt over the fact that the fans have turned their backs to him, and that they no longer appreciate him, even though he has done so much for his club.
“It hurts that people have turned against me. It hurts that they doubt me. I’ve always given everything for Athletic,” said the Basque striker to local radio station Cadena SER.
He has emphasized on the fact that Bilbao is very close to his heart and he will never forget his time at the club, or the effort he put in it. He also stated how he is so thankful for the club who took him in when he was a young boy.
“Even if at some point in my career I don’t play with Athletic, it will always be my team. It’s personal. The club have given me everything, it’s where I grew up from the time I was a boy.”
The striker also stated that if he was to leave the club it would be a personal decision and that he should not have to suffer criticism for making one.
“If for whatever reason I leave here, nobody should be annoyed with me. It’s a personal decision that people should respect.”
When asked whether he does have any future plans on transferring or staying, the Spanish national replied that he would be free to talk about the matter in January and that right now he wants to help the team as much as he can.
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