Ernesto Valverde: "Erik Moran is a champion"

Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde has branded Erik Moran "a champion" after his side's 4-2 win over Real Valladolid on Monday evening.

Moran appeared as a second-half substitute at San Mames just two hours after attending his father's funeral, who passed away on Friday.

"Erik demonstrated a lot today and he wanted to be here," Valverde told reporters at a press conference.

"After the match I told the locker room that Moran is a champion and we all have a lot to thank him for. We needed him and he has always been available despite such a complicated situation."

Moran, 22, has been with Bilbao since 2004.