Athletic Bilbao President Josu Urrutia is ‘proud’ of Aritz Aduriz and insists no offers have been made for Aymeric Laporte or Ernesto Valverde.
Urrutia spoke to the Press to discuss a range of topics related to affairs at San Mames, and the subject of potential departures was raised.
“Ernesto only has the offer of a great team [Athletic] and Laporte is with a great team,” Urrutia said, AS reports.
“We’re aware there are a lot of rumours and not just for him. [Mikel] Balenziaga, [Oscar] de Marcos, [Mikel] San Jose…to have a good year we have to have good performances and that attracts attention.
“We’re not aware of any offer for any of these players.”
Urrutia elaborated on the desire to tie down Valverde for the future, suggesting it was good for the trainer to know he was wanted.
“For a Coach to know a club like Athletic wants him to continue is a source of satisfaction and joy, and for us as well,” the former midfielder noted.
“We know each other pretty well. We each have our roles but our relationship is very fluid. It was a certainty he was going to stay but there was no great hurry.
“I understand Athletic have to care for their Coaches and be in the day-to-day with them.”
Urrutia also confirmed Gorka Iraizoz’s contract has been automatically renewed after he triggered an appearance clause, and then moved on to the prolific Aduriz.
“We are delighted with his figures, very proud. We put a lot of effort into getting him back and he’s providing more than we thought,” he acknowledged.
“Should he be in the Spain team? Things outside Athletic don’t bother me. I have the utmost respect for Vicente Del Bosque.
“It’s not for me to assess whether or not he should go. I’m delighted with Aritz at every level.”
