Raul Garcia: History of Athletic Bilbao

With the withdrawal of Raul Garcia of professional football at the end of the season 2023-24, an important part of the history of the Bilbao club was ending . The Navarrese, is a spanish football legend for his career in Osasuna, Atlético de Madrid and Athletic. But it is also one of the best players in the history of Athletic Bilbao, as described by the president of Athletic at the farewell event held in San Mamés when the player wanted to announce his decision.

Raul Garcia: One of the players with the most games played in the history of the Spanish League

“Raúl is a true legend of Spanish football. Con 606 parties, es the third player with the most games in the history of the League , totalizing 814 meetings and achieving 148 goals, more than half of them wearing the red and white shirt”, The event began with this declaration full of admiration, where the Athletic Club wanted to commemorate the career of a footballer who will leave a legacy in Pamplona, Madrid and Bilbao.

The tribute that Raúl García received in San Mamés, He involved his current colleagues and also some old comrades such as Dani Aranzubia or Carlos Gurpegi, who did not want to miss the event. Uriarte was the first to speak in a packed room.

“He has been able to write incredible pages with three different clubs. It's really difficult, especially considering that these clubs have so much rivalry between them”. He also highlighted Raúl's character both on and off the field., “It is an example of professionalism, always prepared for what may happen both on and off the field. His competitive spirit and tireless work ethic”.

Iribar also recognizes Raúl's legacy

He Txopo Iribar, Athletic Club legend also took the opportunity to say goodbye to Raúl, who he considers a good friend. “I consider myself a very good friend of yours.; He and his family are always welcome in Lezama and at Athletic Club, and it has been an honor to have him share the philosophy, Athletic and the goals.” He also confessed: “It has been an honor to have Raúl here. He has been a great example for all of us.. We needed that grit that he always brings to the field; sometimes it went a little too far, but it motivated us.”

The Navarrese player reviewed his career

After Uriarte and the Athletic Club legend, Iribar, It was Raúl's turn to return all that love and gratitude with words. A nervous Raúl García expressed: “Looking back sometimes makes you dizzy with everything I've experienced.. I am proud not only of the numbers, but in the way. They taught me a way to live and work, what is persist, and that is the path I have chosen. The numbers only serve to confirm the path.”

Leaving a legacy was not Raúl's objective: “I'm not someone who seeks to leave a legacy., but things that people can absorb. I've tried to help everyone around me. I would leave proud of having left behind work and perseverance.”

Proud of his time at Athletic Club: “I feel very proud to have come to Bilbao. All the decisions I make are very well thought out.. If I was already sure that coming here was a good decision, Now that I'm close to retiring, I'm very sure it was the right one..

Because of who I am, There is no better way for the team to do well and, on, win that cup title. I took that penalty with all the responsibility I knew I had, and I am very happy for me and my teammates because we know how hard it was.”

Winning the Cup didn't change anything: “Sincerely, I don't work to compare myself to anyone, alone with myself. I always try to make the best decisions; It didn't depend on winning the Cup or not., The decision had already been made.”

Feeling the red and white: “I was not a fan of Athletic Club, but I'm leaving. I have enjoyed it a lot, I have wanted to fight in my own way for that feeling we have for being part of Athletic.”

Remembering his old clubs: “I want to start with Osasuna, that red feeling that I have and will always have.”

Looking back gives vertigo: “You look back and sometimes everything I've experienced makes you dizzy.. I feel proud more than the number, of how. They taught me a way of living and working that is to persist and that is the path I have wanted to take.. Numbers only serve to confirm the path”.

Leave a legacy: “I am a person who does not seek to leave a legacy, but leave things that people can absorb. I have tried to help everyone around me. I would leave proud of having left work and perseverance behind.”

Proud of his time at Athletic: “I feel very proud to have come to Bilbao. All the decisions I make are very consensual. If it was already clear that a good decision was coming, Now that I have little left to retire, I am very clear that it was totally right..

Because of my way of being, There is no better way for the team to do well and also get that Cup title.. I took the penalty with all the responsibility I knew I had and I feel very happy for myself and my teammates because we know what they suffer.”.

The Cup didn't change anything: “Honestly, I don't work to compare myself to anyone., only with myself. I always try to make the best decisions, Nor has it depended on winning the Cup or not, the decision had already been made”.

red and white feeling: “No era athleticzale, but I'm going to be 'athleticzale'. I have enjoyed very much, I have wanted to fight in my own way for that feeling we have for being from Athletic”.

His last game in San Mamés against the team where it all started

I remember his exes: “I want to start with Osasuna, I have that red feeling and I will always have it., I have to thank everyone. I made the decision to go to Madrid and I have to give thanks for what I experienced at Atlético, They have shown me a lot of affection and are very grateful.”.

As a finishing touch to a spectacular career, Athletic-Osasuna will remain as the last match that Raúl García played between two of his teams in the First Division. The Navarrese (37 years) He was honored in San Mamés. Accompanied by his children and his two good friends Gurpegui and Puñal, these representing both clubs. A piece of Spanish football from the last two decades is leaving.