Beñat returns to Athletic Club roots from Betis
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
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Capped four times by Spain, midfielder Beñat Etxebarria has left Real Betis Balompié to rejoin Athletic Club, where he will team up with new coach Ernesto Valverde.
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Athletic Club have confirmed the signing of Spain midfielder Beñat Etxebarria from Real Betis Balompié for a fee reported to be in the region of €8m.
The move represents a return to the club where the player – who has agreed a five-year deal – began his career and made his senior debut in October 2006.
Released by the Basque outfit two years later, Beñat, 26, eventually signed for Betis. Following a term with their B side, he progressed to the first team and went on to score 14 goals in 105 league appearances.
Several notable performances during the 2011/12 campaign earned the Igorre native a call up to Vicente del Bosque's Spain squad, and although he featured prominently in the build-up to UEFA EURO 2012, he was not part of La Roja's final plans for the tournament.
His arrival at San Mamés follows the return of coach Ernesto Valverde, who last Friday penned a two-year deal to succeed Marcelo Bielsa.
