@FootynewsMost strikers start eyeing the exit or a final fling at 31. Aritz Aduriz chose a different path. He had been forced out of Athletic Bilbao twice before, but he earned his way back for a third stint in Bilbao. That return turned him into an absolute beast on the pitch. The goals came in every shape and size, including headers that looked physically impossible. He even netted a historic hat-trick against Messi's Barcelona. Then, at 38 years old, he struck a chilean kick in the 89th minute that literally made San Mamés tremble. Speed and media hype were never part of his toolkit. All he required was the crest, the atmosphere of San Mamés, and the rojiblanco DNA running through his veins. Aritz Aduriz was never just a goalscorer.

@FootynewsMost strikers start eyeing the exit or a final fling at 31. Aritz Aduriz chose a different path. He had been forced out of Athletic Bilbao twice before, but he earned his way back for a third stint in Bilbao. That return turned him into an absolute beast on the pitch. The goals came in every shape and size, including headers that looked physically impossible. He even netted a historic hat-trick against Messi's Barcelona. Then, at 38 years old, he struck a chilean kick in the 89th minute that literally made San Mamés tremble. Speed and media hype were never part of his toolkit. All he required was the crest, the atmosphere of San Mamés, and the rojiblanco DNA running through his veins. Aritz Aduriz was never just a goalscorer.