Athletic Bilbao midfielder Carlos Gurpegui says he is eager for La Liga to start so all transfer talk can be forgotten.
The Basque club has been the subject of much rumour and speculation over the summer concerning the futures of Fernando Llorente and Javi Martinez, yet captain Gurpegui insists he cannot wait for the transfer market to end and is looking forward to the opening fixture against Real Betis.
“I want the market to end and the League to begin so we can focus solely on sport, because there is an exciting season ahead.
“We are a young team and will continue to be so. I wish I could talk only of the Betis game but I know that is impossible,” he told a Press conference.
For Gurpegui, the major uncertainty surrounding Sunday’s game at San Mames is how the crowd will react to both players, who look to be on the verge of moves away from the club.
“We must try to distance ourselves from what happens off the pitch and remain positive.
“We will try to give everything possible so Athletic can be near the top of the table and our fans are proud of us.
“What is certain is that this institution is bigger than all of us,” he explained.
The 31-year-old was also questioned about Llorente’s possible contribution if a move does not materialise and he has to see out the remaining year of his contract with Los Leones.
“We can only hope he gives what he has in previous seasons.
“There are a lot of issues to be resolved but at the moment we are just thinking about the Betis game,” he concluded.
