Andoli Iraola Concludes Playing Career at NYCFC
A flurry of players are retiring from professional soccer at the end of this season As several soccer players hang up their professional cleats, we eagerly await who will take their place as we reflect on back on the great accomplishments of those leaving the field.
Spanish international Andoni Iraola has called an end to his playing career after leading New York City FC to its first every playoff appearance this past campaign. A former defender for Athletic Bilbao, Iraola made 40 appearances with NYCFC since joining in 2015.
MLS Soccer News: Andoni Iraola has announced his retirement from soccer as the Spanish international calls an end to his 16-year playing career. Iraola made a total of 40 appearances with New York City FC and helped lead the club to its first ever playoff appearance during the 2016 campaign.
“I would like to thank everyone inside and outside of the club who has made me feel at home from the very first moment,” said Andoni. “I would especially like to thank my teammates who I have learned from until the last day but also all of the coaches, medical personnel, sporting staff and everyone inside the office who always help to make our lives easier.
An Athletic Bilbao legend, Andoni attended the club’s youth system and played 12 seasons at the San Mames, appearing on more than 500 occasions for Los Leones.
As an international teammate of NYCFC captain David Villa, Iraola earned seven caps for Spain between 2008 and 2011, and finished as a runner-up in the Europa League with Athletic during the 2011/12 season.
NYCFC head coach Patrick Vieira led the tributes to the departing defender by highlighting his ability to encourage those around him to compete at a higher level.
“Andoni has been a fantastic servant to this football club and it’s been a pleasure to have coached such a dedicated and talented player,” said Vieira. “He is somebody who does not covet the limelight but is content to do his job quietly to the highest standards, making those around him play better as a result.”
Sporting Director Claudio Reyna echoed Vieira’s remarks, emphasizing that the 34-year old will not be easy to replace.
“It was an easy decision to bring Andoni to the club in 2015 – we were delighted that he agreed to come and we’re so grateful for the incredible service he’s given us in his time here,” said Reyna. “Off the pitch, Andoni embodies the type of human being we want at the club – he is a humble guy who always puts himself at the service of the collective. It’s not just his teammates who will miss him, everyone at the football club will.”
Few will miss him more than NYCFC’s captain and Andoni’s fellow Spanish teammate. Iraola and Villa have been inseparable ever since Andoni exchanged Basque country for New York City, rekindling a friendship that was born on national team duty.
“Andoni is a wonderful person and player and I wish him all the best in the future,” said Villa. “He knows he’ll have a friend for the rest of his life in me.” Everyone at New York City FC wishes Andoni all the best in his retirement and good luck in whatever he chooses to do next.”
Photo Credit: New York City FC
