Aritz Elustondo, captain who gave voice to a historic Copa, to leave Real Sociedad | OneFootball

Aritz Elustondo will leave Real Sociedad at the end of the season after eleven years in the first team and 310 appearances, departing with two Copas and the affection of fans. He was also the voice and spirit of Alderdi Eder celebrations.

The club said on Tuesday that his contract, which ends on 30 June, will not be extended. The defender from Beasain will see out his final matches, closing a spell that began in 2014 and pointing to a difficult farewell at Anoeta.

Among many memories, his turn as master of ceremonies after the Copa stands out. Hoarse from the parade, he introduced team-mates one by one before tens of thousands, a snapshot of the dressing room few could deliver.

He handed out jibes and nicknames with affection, teasing Remiro, hailing Aihen as the squad’s emperor and dubbing Oyarzabal the fox of Eibar. He thanked Wolverhampton in reference to Guedes, and found time for Óskarsson’s coffee and rum, Chuleta-Car, Palo Marín, Gorrotxategi’s hat and the Sanse youngsters.

It was funny without spite, every barb softened by warmth. He spoke of talent, sacrifice, injuries, the future and belonging, saluting current and former staff, leading as captain even in celebration.

When attention turned to him, he first tried to swerve it, but the dressing room insisted and Oyarzabal summed him up as the heartbeat of the group. The square called for him to stay, and Elustondo cried. Perhaps he already sensed, or knew, that his future lay away from Real Sociedad.

Source: Diario Vasco