Carlos Gurpegui signs Athletic Bilbao contract extension

Athletic Bilbao captain Carlos Gurpegui has signed a new one-year extension with the club.

The 34-year-old's old contract was due to expire at the end of the season, but he has now committed to the Basque outfit until June 2016.

Gurpegui revealed that he had initially been approached regarding a new deal back in October, but a knee injury prevented him from discussing fresh terms then.

"I'm very happy. I want to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to continue a further year," he told the club's official website.

"The club contacted me back in October but I had doubts regarding my injury. I've felt much better since Christmas and I'm really enthusiastic. I don't know if it's the best decision. Only time will tell."

Gurpegui has been with Bilbao since 2002, making 292 appearances for the club and scoring 18 goals.