Bilbao fans urge Yuri to stay as talks remain open | OneFootball

Bilbao fans urged Yuri to stay after he starred at San Mamés during tributes to Valverde and Lekue. He was arguably Athletic’s best performer, alongside Iñaki Williams. As reported by as.com, negotiations over his future are open as he weighs his next step at 36.

The left-back repeatedly surged down his flank and created the 1-1 equaliser, then beckoned the North Stand to drive a comeback. Celta waited to restart.

At full-time, after the tributes, the singing section chanted 'Yuri quédate'.

His booking was his fifth, ruling him out of the Bernabéu finale, which coincides with Carvajal’s farewell. In 2023 a fierce Carvajal challenge fractured his fibula.

Terzic wants to count on him for his experience, power and quality. The dressing room is short of leaders and he is one, though recent fitness problems have worn him down.

Since arriving from PSG in 2018, he has been central to the modern Athletic, playing 278 official games across eight seasons. Pace, aggression and attacking depth have allowed him to command the left by himself, despite COVID and repeated muscle and shoulder setbacks.

A few weeks ago he hinted retirement is nearing, saying he plays free of thoughts now, just to enjoy the time left. Iñaki Williams said the squad want him for one more year but he has earned the right to choose, and Ernesto Valverde called him a top player who always gives everything while adding he does not know what Yuri will do.

Source: as.com