“I thought I was going to retire at Athletic,” says San José

Mikel
Saint
Joseph has told in an interview to 'Blues TV', the television of his new team, the Birmingham
City, how was your exit from Athletic and your decision to continue your career in England. The Navarrese player admits that he had never imagined his departure from the rojiblanco team. “I thought I was going to retire at the Athletic“, it states.

In fact, the one from Villava recognizes that he was not expected to return to England. “I was in Bilbao for so many years that I already thought it would be forever, but things change. It was very difficult to leave. It is very hard after eleven years. I feel like it's my home. I was eleven years in the first team, two more years in the U-16 and U-17. It is very emotional, but things are like that ”, he explains Saint
Joseph.

He Birmingham
City It was not the only option for the Navarrese player. Could have continued on League
Santander. “I had offers to stay in Spain, but right now for me and my family it was a very good option to come to England. I think it will be very good for us ”, assesses the former rojiblanco player.

After leaving the Athletic I thought that I am still young and that I have years to play soccer. For that reason I accepted this challenge

For Mikel
Saint
Joseph, now a new stage opens. “After leaving the Athletic I thought that I am still young and that I have years to play soccer. For that reason I accepted this challenge. I am very happy, very excited and I want it to start now ”, says the midfielder who was presented yesterday as the ninth reinforcement of the

Birmingham

City
to face the new season.

His decision was also influenced by the presence of Aitor
Karanka leading his new team. “He knows me. I spoke with him and he gave me a lot of confidence to accept the offer to come to the Birmingham
City. I believe that all projects of Aitor they have been very interesting. In addition, the team has started the League very well ”, Explain Saint
Joseph about the presence of Aitor
Karanka as a coach for his new team.

We were a very physical team and I think it will be similar here

The one from Villava also hopes to adapt quickly to his new team and his way of playing. In fact, he sees similarities between Birmingham
City and the Athletic. “We were a very physical team and I think it will be similar here,” he considers.

Saint
Joseph points out that he is seen more as a midfielder than a central defender, even though he can play in both positions, but plays in one position or another, he reaches the Birmingham with clear ideas. “I always try to give my best, one hundred percent, in all the games. I think I can bring leadership. I am here to do the best for the team, for the club… and I hope that the fans can be happy with my performance in the team ”, says the former player of the Athletic.