now this is called loyalty

[Suprah]

Etxeberria signs to play for free

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...pe/7649109.stm

Joseba Etxeberria has signed a one-year contract extension with Athletic Bilbao which will see him play the final season of his career for nothing.

The former Spain international agreed the deal with his current contract due to expire at the end of this season.

Etxeberria said he wanted to end his career as an Athletic player, adding: "I wanted to do this gesture but never did I want to set a precedent."

Midfielder Etxeberria, 31, joined the club from Real Sociedad aged 17.


He hopes to reach the landmark of having played 500 games when he retires after a 15-year career at San Mames.

"It's an idea I've had for years," added Etxeberria, who played at the 1998 World Cup and two European Championships for Spain.

Club president Fernando Garcia Macua said: "From the club's standpoint there are not words enough to thank such a gesture."

[shayan_esteghlali]

i wish our players still had this kind of gheyrat!!!
like karimi for example could have gone to pp for free! since he doesnt need the money!

[PersianMadrid7]

What he has done is loyalty and probably a personal gratification, but...

footballers put their entire bodies at work 24 hours a days the entire year and with the money the clubs make out of their performances it's kind of stupid not to get paid.

[Suprah]

Athletic Bilbao are not business-minded truth be told. They dont even have a shirt sponsor (like Barca) but they also dont have any extra money from tv rights and winning prize money either.

[Demis-11]

well athletico only field basque players which is pretty impressive considering they have been in La Liga forever..

good for Jose..

[Masoud_A]

What he has done is loyalty and probably a personal gratification, but...

footballers put their entire bodies at work 24 hours a days the entire year and with the money the clubs make out of their performances it's kind of stupid not to get paid.

Its lonely being you isnt it? extreme paranoia and high level of negativity?
You should try to go out more and make some friends man.

[Ali]

i wish our players still had this kind of gheyrat!!!
like karimi for example could have gone to pp for free! since he doesnt need the money!

actually karimi came for a very cheap ammount compared to his value. most of the money went to qatar sc to release him.

[Arian]

ghhhhhhhheyrattttttttttttt.................... wow damesh garm this shows he's a true loyal player to bilbao and plays football with true passion and for his love of the game

[nimster22]

isn't riquelme playing for 2 years free?

[PersianMadrid7]

Its lonely being you isnt it? extreme paranoia and high level of negativity?
You should try to go out more and make some friends man.

wow buddy whats with the personal attack.

it seems your the one with the negativity, hypocrite.

you got personal issues with me because I've made fun of you in the past or what?