Football
PA Sport 9y

Carlos Gurpegui signs one-year extension with Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao captain Carlos Gurpegui has signed a one-year contract extension, committing to the Primera Division side until June 2016.

The 34-year-old, whose existing deal was set to to expire at the end of this season, has been with the Basque outfit since 2002 and has made 22 league appearances this term.

"I'm very happy," Gurpegui said on the club's official website. "I want to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to continue a further year.

"The club contacted me back in October but I had doubts regarding my (knee) injury.

"I've felt much better since Christmas and I'm really enthusiastic.

"I don't know if it's the best decision. Only time will tell."

Gurpegui, who underwent right knee surgery 13 months ago, is hoping to lift his first trophy with Athletic on May 30 when Athletic take on Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final at the Nou Camp.

The midfielder has made 292 appearances for Athletic, scoring 18 goals, and was a crucial member of the sides that reached the 2012 Europa League final and twice finished runners up in the Copa del Rey (2009 and 2012).

Athletic, coached by Ernesto Valverde, are on course to qualify for the Europa League next season and are seventh in La Liga with three games remaining.

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