Urzaiz extends Bilbao contract
Tuesday, July 16, 2002
Article summary
Athletic Club Bilbao striker Ismael Urzaiz has agreed a new two-year deal with the club.
Article body
Athletic Club Bilbao striker Ismael Urzaiz has opted to renew his contract with the club for a further two years, with an option for an additional season at the San Mamés stadium.
Surprise decision
The announcement comes as something of a surprise after negotiations regarding the former Spanish international forward's contract renewal failed to produce a definite outcome prior to the FIFA World Cup finals in Korea/Japan. It was widely expected that Urzaiz would leave the Basque club following the termination of his old contract on 30 June.
Committed to Bilbao
The 31-year old forward has since been in contact with both Deportivo Alavés and RCD Espanyol, as well as a series of English FA Premiership clubs. However, after having failed to reach any concrete agreement, he has made a u-turn and committed himself to Bilbao.
Contract extension
Should Urzaiz make 40 or more appearances for the club over the next two seasons, he would automatically be able to invoke the contract extension clause in his deal for an additional season.
