Mikel San José And Beñat Say Goodbye Before Final Game At San Mamés
Beñat and Mikel San José honored before their last match at San Mamés (AC)
Thursday night’s match at San Mamés was emotional. For Mikel San José and Beñat it was the last time either would ever wear the Athletic shirt at the Cathedral. After a combined 639 appearances the pair will be leaving the club at the end of the season when their contracts expire.
To celebrate the veterans who have meant so much to the club for the better part of the last decade, their teammates made a tunnel for them before the game kicked off. San José and Beñat walked to the middle of the field with their children. They were greeted by legend José Ángel Iribar who honored them with framed shirts signed by the entire team.
Although there were no fans in the stands, banners and graphics were on display to say thank you to the duo who, for many years, led Athletic’s midfield and gave everything for the crest. Mikel San José and Beñat have served their boyhood club with respect, loyalty, and honor and every single day showed what it means to represent Athletic both on and off the field. They came to the club as kids and leave as legends.