"The first time Gorka Guruzeta played in England, an 18-year-old appearing for Athletic Bilbao B against Borussia Monchengladbach Under-23s at Adams Park in September 2015, he scored. The second time he played in England, against Sunderland two months later, he scored. The third time, against Manchester City six weeks after that, well, he scored again. When he returned to Manchester to face United at Leigh Sports Village in 2017, he did it once more."
"I got well angry, the Athletic striker says, and then he starts laughing. There must be a video somewhere. We went to play United and I was pretty good. They didn't let me play the second half: I hadn't yet signed my contract, I was scoring goals, there were lots of rumours, you know how it is. I don't know about Newcastle being interested, but I remember reading about Man United, the typical thing."
"I have no idea how true it was, but even if they had called, I would have wanted to stay at Athletic. I feel lucky to be here. At Lezama, Bilbao, the morning session is about to start; after it, the short journey to Loiu and another flight to England, this time to play Newcastle in the Champions League on Wednesday. Just saying those two words makes Guruzeta smile."
Gorka Guruzeta repeatedly found the net during early visits to England, scoring for Athletic Bilbao B and the first team against Sunderland, Manchester City and Manchester United. He recalls a superb volley at Leigh Sports Village and the frustration of being substituted after that goal amid growing transfer rumours. Guruzeta insisted he wanted to stay at Athletic Bilbao and felt fortunate to be at the club. Training at Lezama continues amid a difficult season for Athletic, with mixed domestic results and European losses. His career highlights include a Europa League semi-final run and celebrated returns to the club with fans.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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