Azpeitia turns out as an emotional Marrero brings the Cup home | OneFootball

Azpeitia packed its main square to welcome Copa champions Unai Marrero and Oier Agirrezabalaga, who arrived holding the trophy.

According to Diario Vasco, the pair reached Enparantza Nagusia to a sea of locals, with players from Lagun Onak and Ikasberri kirol elkartea forming a guard of honour as they carried the Cup.

Just inside the town hall doorway, the Real goalkeeper let the strain fall away and burst into tears. On the balcony his closest friends lifted his spirits, with his mother, Miren, and his girlfriend close by.

Handkerchief in hand, he stepped out to roars from the square. Beside him, Agirrezabalaga was the calmer presence, clapping back and supported by his family.

Marrero said he was astonished by the turnout, adding that when the mayor, Nagore, first floated an event they had not expected such numbers or emotion. He felt deep satisfaction at making so many people happy and was delighted.

Agirrezabalaga, known as Poxi, underlined the importance of the fitness coach’s work, saying they aim to help but the players are the protagonists. He credited a tight bond, effort and collective work as key to staying at the top.

The crowd revisited Saturday’s match, guided by local journalist Txetxu Urbieta. With drums beating, chants of Marrero became the town’s new chorus, and, if Saint Ignatius is Loiola’s most universal figure, he now has a rival in Unai Marrero.

Source: Diario Vasco