Guruzeta keeps faith as Athletic Bilbao return to Champions League clash with Newcastle United
Guruzeta has thrived on Athletic Bilbao’s return to the Champions League after a decade.
On Wednesday they face Newcastle United.
The Basque striker first visited England as an 18 year old.
He lined up for Athletic Bilbao B against Borussia Monchengladbach Under-23s at Adams Park.
He scored in that match.
Two months later he played Sunderland and again scored.
The third visit came against Manchester City six weeks later, and he scored again.
In 2017 he returned to Manchester to play United at Leigh Sports Village and struck again.
It was a superb volley.
He recalls it as one of the best goals he has ever scored.
Athletic replaced him at halftime as the contract rumours swirled.
He says he got very angry, then laughed at the memory.
There must be video somewhere.
We went to play United and I was pretty good.
He cannot confirm Newcastle interest, but he remembers talk of Manchester United.
He does not know how true it was, but even if United had called, he would have stayed with Athletic.
He says he feels lucky to be at Athletic Bilbao today.
He looks to the European return with pride and resolve.
Gorka Guruzeta
Athletic Bilbao
TLDR
- Guruzeta thrives as Athletic Bilbao return to the Champions League and prepare for Newcastle United.
- The forward’s English goal record shows a history of impact against English clubs and a deep affinity with Athletic.
- Athletic Bilbao aim to leverage their European resurgence while guarding against early distractions in a demanding campaign.