Athletic Club icon Iker Muniain departed the club in a blaze of glory after lifting the Copa del Rey, and bringing the curtain down on his career at San Mames 21 years after he joined the club as an 11-year-old. However is next move remains unclear.
Muniain, who is a River Plate fan, reportedly reached an agreement in principle with the Millionario, but after manager Martin Demichelis was sacked, and Ezequiel Barco departed the club, a speedy winger became their priority. Speaking to Bolavip, as recounted by Diario AS, his agent Omar Rodriguez has explained that he is holding out for a move to El Monumental.
“Iker continues to reject very important offers because he maintains the hope of playing for River. After he decided to leave Athletic Bilbao, the first time I sat down with Iker to see what plans he had he told me: ‘I want to play for River’.”
“He is 31 years old, physically he is great and he wants to fulfill his dream. He doesn’t care about money or being away from his family for a while. He just wants to put on the River shirt and win the Libertadores.”
Certainly it is the sort of discourse that any fan would be enamoured with, but it does not sound as if River are particularly focused on bringing Muniain. They have just welcomed back Marcelo Gallardo, one their most successful managers in their history, and he will no doubt have a key say in any deal.
