Iker Muniain looking at nothing with the Athletic Club shirt

Official, Iker Muniain leaves Athletic for Argentina, but he will not play for River Plate

Everything is going very fast for Iker Muniain. His presentation is imminent this week.

Iker Muniain , former player of Athletic Club de Bilbao, has decided to continue his career in Argentina, but it will not be at River Plate, the club of which he is a declared fan. Muniain, born in Pamplona and raised in Bilbao, left Athletic in June this year after an emotional farewell at San Mamés. At 31 years of age, he decided to step aside to allow the arrival of new generations from Lezama, becoming a free agent at the end of last season.

Muniain said goodbye to Athletic Club leaving behind an indelible legacy. His career in Bilbao was marked by his dedication, his technical quality and his leadership on the pitch. After more than a decade defending the red and white colours, Muniain decided to close his time at the club he considers his home. His departure, although painful for the fans, was done with the elegance and respect that always characterised him, and the fans gave him a farewell with honours.

The dream of playing in Argentina

Despite being a huge River Plate fan, his destiny will not be at the Monumental. In an unexpected turn, Muniain has opted to join San Lorenzo de Almagro, one of the greats of Argentine football. This decision surprised many, but reflects his desire to experience Argentine football from the inside, at a club with history and tradition.

Iker Muniain riding Nico Williams
Muniain swapped Athletic for San Lorenzo | Europa Press

San Lorenzo thus becomes Muniain's new home, where he will look to bring his experience and quality to the team. The Boedo club, which is going through a period of reconstruction, hopes that Muniain's arrival will bring the touch of quality needed on the field. Despite not fulfilling his dream of wearing River , Muniain is excited about the opportunity to play in Argentina, his signing represents a step in his career.

An unexpected but exciting move

Iker Muniain's choice to join San Lorenzo instead of River highlights his adventurous spirit and desire to take on new challenges. At 31, he continues to show that his passion for football and hunger to compete are still intact. San Lorenzo fans are eagerly awaiting his debut, hoping that his European experience will translate into success at home and in international competitions.

Iker Muniain thus closes an important cycle in his career and opens another full of new experiences and challenges. His legacy at Athletic Club de Bilbao remains intact, and now, in Argentina, he will have the opportunity to leave his mark on a new continent. South American football will offer him the intensity and passion that he has always admired, and San Lorenzo is preparing to welcome him with open arms.