Valverde's Bilbao Farewell: Athletic's Triple-Threat Gaffer Calls Time on Epic Tenure

Picture this: you've dragged your beloved club to glory after decades in the wilderness, streets of your city jammed with a million ecstatic fans, and now you're eyeing the exit door. That's Ernesto Valverde for you, the managerial maestro who's just confirmed he'll part ways with Athletic Club at the end of the season. As reported by Football Espana and the Associated Press, it's the end of his third spell at the San Mamés helm – and what a ride it's been.

Trophies, Tears, and European Dreams

Valverde's latest chapter kicked off in 2022, and boy, did he deliver. The highlight? Snatching the Copa del Rey in 2024, Athletic's first major trophy in 40 years. Bilbao turned into one massive street party – over a million Leones flooding the Basque capital like it was the end of the world (the good kind).

The party didn't stop there. Next up, a Champions League qualification, their first in ages, plus a Europa League semi-final run where they bowed out to a gritty Manchester United. This season? Back in Europe's elite club competition for the first time in a decade, even if it fizzled out early. Valverde's magic turned Athletic from plucky underdogs into genuine contenders, all while sticking to their Basque-only player policy. Proper football romance, that.

The Statement: No Drama, Just Gratitude

No messy fallout or boardroom bust-up here. Valverde dropped the news via a club statement on Friday, keeping it classy as ever. "I've been thinking about this for a while," he said in a video on Athletic's socials. "It's something I've agreed with the club, and I wanted you lot to hear it first."

He's not slacking off, mind. With 10 La Liga matches left – starting Sunday against Real Betis – Valverde's all guns blazing. "We've got goals to chase, points to nab, and if we pull together, we can bag 'em all," he rallied. Contract up in June, and he's out, but the club reckons he'll get a send-off fit for a legend. About time, too.

Nearing 500 Games: A Record-Breaking Legacy

By the season's close, Valverde will have notched 504 games in charge across his stints: 2003-05, 2013-17, and now 2022 onwards. That's more than anyone in Athletic's history – a stat that screams commitment. Remember, this is a bloke who also bossed Barcelona to back-to-back La Liga titles in 2017 and 2018. From Camp Nou glamour to Basque grit, he's done it all.

This season's been a bumpier ride, sure – no repeat heroics in Europe, and La Liga form dipping below their sky-high standards. But who's judging? Valverde leaves with heads held high, trophies in the cabinet, and a fanbase that'd run through walls for him. As for his next move? Punters are already scribbling names – maybe a national team gig, or back to Barca? Or perhaps a well-earned pint in Bilbao.

Athletic fans, chin up. Ten games to go, and Valverde's not one to fade quietly. Expect fireworks. And whoever comes next? Massive boots to fill. Cheers to the gaffer – you've earned your place in the San Mamés pantheon.