Aritz Elustondo has officially announced his departure from Real Sociedad, ending a lifelong association with the txuri-urdin club. The central defender, who lifted the Copa del Rey for the second time in his career, said his goodbyes through the club’s official social media channels.
Real Sociedad confirmed the news with a heartfelt statement: “Aritz Elustondo (32) will conclude his journey as a txuri-urdin player at the end of this season. 310 matches and eleven seasons defending the team of his life. An example both on and off the pitch, an indispensable player. Eskerrik asko!”
A product of the club’s youth system, Elustondo made his senior debut for Real Sociedad in 2014 during a Copa del Rey match against Oviedo at Anoeta. Over 11 seasons with the first team, he accumulated 310 official appearances, establishing himself as a reliable and consistent performer. Known for his commitment and leadership, he became a dressing-room reference and served as captain in his later years.
During his time with Real, he was part of the squad that won two Copa del Rey titles—fulfilling one of the club’s and its fans’ biggest dreams. As he prepares to play his final matches in a Real Sociedad shirt, he will have the chance to say goodbye at home, receiving the recognition of supporters who have always considered him one of their own.
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