"One Club Man" Xabi Prieto to retire at season end

MADRID, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Xabi Prieto, one of the symbols of Spanish football club Real Sociedad, announced on Tuesday that he would retire at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old confirmed the news in a statement on the official website of the San Sebastian based club, bringing the curtain down on a career which has so far seen him make 530 appearances for Real Sociedad, as well as 48 for the club's B-team.

Prieto has spent 15 seasons in the Real Sociedad first team, rejecting lucrative offers to move to bigger clubs to remain a "one club man".

The club gave their thanks to the veteran on their website with a message in which they reminded supporters that Prieto was the "player who has made the fifth highest number of appearances for the club, joining a select list of 'One Club Men'. His class both on and off the pitch, will be remembered forever in the memory of Real Sociedad supporters. A thousand thanks, Xabi."

Speaking to Xinhua in an interview three seasons ago, Prieto explained why he had never looked to move from his hometown club.

"Real Sociedad is the team of all the people of San Sebastian and the province of Gipuzkoa and that is an important part of the values they try to give you when you arrive at the club when you are young. Those values are hard work, respect and manners. Ever since I was young, I dreamed of playing for 'La Real' and I am proud of having been here for so long," he said. Enditem