Bilbao2Brooklyn
25 Jan 2005, 02:09 AM
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=322868&cc=5901
http://www.soccernet.com/images/england/20030118/Etxeberria_allsport.jpg
(Photography/GettyImages)
Etxeberria snubs Everton's advances
Spain international forward Joseba Etxeberria has turned down the chance of a move to Barclays Premiership side Everton. Everton's interest in the 29-year-old Athletic Bilbao player was reported in Spain today, for a reported fee of around £5.55million.
But Etxeberria, who has more than 50 caps for his country, said he wanted to stay in Spain.
'It is true that both Athletic and I know something about this, but it is also true that I told the club president (Fernando Lamikiz) that I am very happy at Bilbao,' said Etxeberria, who joined Athletic from neighbours Real Sociedad when he was 17.
Etxeberria, who signed a new contract with Athletic 18 months ago tying him to the Basque giants until June 2007, is more interested in the club's Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Valladolid tomorrow.
'Athletic is my home and I am delighted and very proud to play here. All I am thinking about is the vital game against Valladolid on Tuesday,' he said.
'It's true that my club and I knew something regarding the news that emerged today (Monday) of the interest of Everton to acquire me,' said Etxeberria on his official website.
'As a professional, I am honoured that a club like Everton, that are currently in fourth position in the Premier League, has considered me as a reinforcement. It means that the work that I am doing is being noticed.'
But Etxeberria has no intention of leaving.
'This is my home and I am proud to play here. My desire is to continue to play with Athletic for many years and if I can retire wearing the red and white colours it will be even better.'
http://www.soccernet.com/images/england/20030118/Etxeberria_allsport.jpg
(Photography/GettyImages)
Etxeberria snubs Everton's advances
Spain international forward Joseba Etxeberria has turned down the chance of a move to Barclays Premiership side Everton. Everton's interest in the 29-year-old Athletic Bilbao player was reported in Spain today, for a reported fee of around £5.55million.
But Etxeberria, who has more than 50 caps for his country, said he wanted to stay in Spain.
'It is true that both Athletic and I know something about this, but it is also true that I told the club president (Fernando Lamikiz) that I am very happy at Bilbao,' said Etxeberria, who joined Athletic from neighbours Real Sociedad when he was 17.
Etxeberria, who signed a new contract with Athletic 18 months ago tying him to the Basque giants until June 2007, is more interested in the club's Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Valladolid tomorrow.
'Athletic is my home and I am delighted and very proud to play here. All I am thinking about is the vital game against Valladolid on Tuesday,' he said.
'It's true that my club and I knew something regarding the news that emerged today (Monday) of the interest of Everton to acquire me,' said Etxeberria on his official website.
'As a professional, I am honoured that a club like Everton, that are currently in fourth position in the Premier League, has considered me as a reinforcement. It means that the work that I am doing is being noticed.'
But Etxeberria has no intention of leaving.
'This is my home and I am proud to play here. My desire is to continue to play with Athletic for many years and if I can retire wearing the red and white colours it will be even better.'