The Athletic captain refreshes the memory of a veteran lion

“Do you remember Óscar de Marcos where we were ten years ago today?” Muniain asks his recently renewed partner via twitter

The rojiblanco team qualified on April 26, 2012 to play the Europa League final

De Marcos and Muniain celebrate a goal in San Mamés

LUIS FABRIC / EFE

Athletic today made official the renewal of Óscar de Marcos for one more season. Iker Muniain, captain of the Bilbao team, has used social networks to congratulate his teammate in a special way for the extension of his bond. The origin of this unique initiative takes April 26, 2012 as the match date.

“Do you remember Óscar de Marcos where we were today ten years ago? All together celebrating with our fans the pass to a final of the UEL… A pleasure to continue fighting with you to live more magical nights. Zorionak for your renewal”, picks up Muniain’s message to his partner.

That April 26, a decade ago, Athletic beat Sporting de Portugal 3-1 in the old Cathedral and qualified for the Europa League final. De Marcos, curiously, missed that match due to an accumulation of cards. The spectacular tour of Marcelo Bielsa’s team through the continental tournament ended with a 3-0 defeat against Atlético de Madrid in the decisive match played in Bucharest.