Ernesto Valverde confirms Athletic Bilbao exit at end of season

The 62-year-old announced the decision via a video message shared on Athletic's social media channels, describing it as a carefully considered and mutual agreement with the club.

"Next season I won't be Athletic's coach. It's a decision I've thought about for a long time, discussed with the club, and I wanted to share it with you," Valverde said.

He also stressed that his focus remains firmly on finishing the current campaign strongly.

"At the same time, I want to highlight that we still have 10 important league games left, starting this Sunday against Betis. Ten matches in which we want to achieve our objectives, where there's a lot at stake, where we'll give everything, and undoubtedly, if we all stick together, we can achieve it, no question."

Athletic currently sit mid-table in LaLiga but remain in contention for European qualification with ten matches remaining.

Valverde's departure will mark the end of a remarkable cumulative tenure across three separate spells: 2003â-2005, 2013â-2017, and 2022â-2026. Across those periods, he became the manager with the most appearances in Athletic's history and will surpass 500 matches in charge before leaving, finishing on 504 games.

His influence has been transformative. Under his leadership, Athletic ended a four-decade trophy drought by winning the Copa del Rey in 2024, sparking celebrations that drew over a million people onto the streets of Bilbao.

That triumph was followed by a return to the Champions League and a strong European campaign, which saw Athletic reach the Europa League semi-finals before being eliminated by Manchester United.

The club also lifted the Spanish Super Cup in 2016 during his earlier spell, further cementing his reputation as one of Athletic's most successful modern coaches.

Athletic confirmed Valverde's decision in an official statement, noting that his departure is the result of a shared agreement and paying tribute to his long-standing service.

The club also pledged to honour him with a fitting farewell at San Mames, describing him as a "living legend of Athletic Club."

Valverde himself acknowledged the importance of finishing the season properly, repeating his message of unity and commitment for the final stretch of fixtures.

"There are ten games left and we have a lot to gain."

Valverde's connection to Athletic runs far deeper than his managerial record. He also represented the club as a player between 1990 and 1996, making 188 appearances and scoring 50 goals.

Before returning to Bilbao for his coaching legacy, he managed several clubs including Valencia, Villarreal, Espanyol, and Olympiacosâ”where he won three Greek Super League titles. He also had a high-profile spell at Barcelona between his second and third Athletic tenures.

Valverde leaves having shaped one of Athletic Club's most successful modern eras, restoring silverware, European relevance, and stability to a club built on tradition and identity.

With ten games remaining, his final objective is clear: to ensure his last act is another push for Europe before a farewell fitting of one of San Mames' most influential figures. 

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