Aritz Elustondo bids farewell as Real Sociedad team-mates embrace him in Barcelona | OneFootball

Aritz Elustondo’s Real Sociedad career ended in tears and embraces at Cornellá-El Prat, the final whistle against Espanyol confirming his last outing for the txuri-urdin. According to Diario Vasco, the Beasain native crouched with his left hand covering his face as the emotion hit.

Captain Mikel Oyarzabal quickly lifted him, wiped away the tears and held him close. Former team-mate Urko González de Zárate, now in Espanyol colours, followed with a firm hug.

One by one, every team-mate and members of Pellegrino Matarazzo’s staff surrounded Elustondo. He made his 313th appearance after coming on in the 78th minute for Aramburu.

The squad then formed a final huddle around him, rounding off a fortnight laden with emotion. It began with confirmation of his departure, continued with honours in his hometown and a badge presentation at Anoeta, then concluded in Barcelona.

A family photo on the Cornellá turf captured the dressing room’s affection and the unity of a special season that ended yesterday. Real’s last social post read, "Eskerrik asko, bihotz-bihotzez Aritz".

Source: Diario Vasco