Athletic Bilbao signs Iraiola to extension

Athletic Bilbao's manager Ernesto Valverde will have Andoni Iraiola until 2015, thanks to a contract extension signed by the defender. (Christophe Ena/AP)

BILBAO, Spain — Athletic Bilbao has signed defender Andoni Iraiola to a one-year contract extension that ties him to the club until 2015.

The 31-year-old Iraiola has spent his entire career at the Basque club, 11 seasons since his debut in August 2003.

Terms of the deal for Iraiola, who has played seven times for Spain, were not announced.

Athletic president Josu Urrutia recently signed captain Carlos Gurpegui to a contract extension.

Athletic, which employs a Basque-only player policy, is fourth in the Spanish league standings after 15 games.

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