Carlos Gurpegui retires, joins Athletic Bilbao staff

Carlos Gurpegui has been handed a coaching role at Athletic Bilbao after retiring as a player.

The 35-year-old spent his entire professional career with Bilbao and represented the Basque club's first team from 2002.

In total, the centre-back made 393 appearances for the Spanish giants, 35 of which came during the 2015-16 campaign.

Gurpegui hung up his boots at the end of last season, but has now joined the coaching staff at the Spanish club.

Basque outfit Bilbao finished fifth in La Liga last season, collecting 62 points from their 38 matches, which was just two fewer than fourth-placed Villarreal gathered.