ian1964 10,666 Posted October 3, 2008 Share Posted October 3, 2008 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. 606: DEBATE This really puts to shame all those players making a fortune out there and not giving a penny back!! 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." 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
calscot 0 Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 I can't see many managers wanting players to play for free. It can take away the professionalism as people don't always take things so seriously when they have no livelihood coming from it. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig 5,199 Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 I can see a lot of chairmen (ours certainly) being happy with that scenario though !! 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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