Aritz Elustondo to leave Real Sociedad at season’s end after 11 years | OneFootball

Aritz Elustondo will leave Real Sociedad at season’s end after the club decided not to extend his contract. The club said in a statement that it would not renew the deal.

Real’s second captain departs after 11 years in the first team, having debuted in December 2014 in a Copa tie against Oviedo. He has played 310 matches, which could reach 314 if he features in the four remaining league games.

He is one of six to win two Copas, featuring in both finals. The club’s farewell called him consistently reliable and available to every coach.

He broke through as a right-back and leaves as a centre-back who can cover wide.

He emerged under David Moyes, later serving Eusebio, Asier Garitano and Imanol Alguacil, and this season Sergio Francisco and Matarazzo. He has 35 European appearances, second only to Mikel Oyarzabal’s 40.

With Aramburu suspended, he will start on Saturday against Betis at Anoeta, where a tribute is expected. One further home appearance will remain before his farewell.

His departure leaves a gap as Real plan for four competitions. At centre-back, options include Pacheco after a loan at Alavés and Beitia, with a decision to make on adding another. The option to buy Caleta-Car is there but his form does not convince. At right-back, Rupérez’s recovery could complete the position with Aramburu.

When Erik Bretos and his staff consult data to find a successor, it will not measure Elustondo’s leadership and bond with the club.

Source: Diario Vasco