Arbilla It's thrilling to be starting afresh in a new and exciting project
The Navarran-born defender was unveiled as an SD Eibar player this afternoon
Speaking at his unveiling as an SD Eibar player, Anaitz Arbilla expressed his delight at starting afresh in a project he defined as "new and exciting".
The Navarran-born wing-back, who joins the Armeros from RCD Espanyol, was unveiled at Ipurua alongside club president, Amaia Gorostiza and director of football, Fran Garagarza.
Amongst the reasons for seeking pastures new, Arbilla listed the opportunity to "return home after having been away for many years", and the possibility of being handed playing time following a pre-season campaign with Espanyol "in which I wasn't offered much motivation to stay".
In reference to the achilles tendon injury which sidelined him for virtually all of last season, Arbilla commented that, "it's forgotten about now and I want to get back and playing games as soon as possible. After nearly a year of being unable to play, I'm really excited and am looking forward to playing".
"It'll be tough to make the starting XI. Ander Capa has been putting in top performances for several years now, but I'm used to having competition. At Espanyol I was up against Javi López. Competition for places is a good thing and is healthy for the squad. Ultimately everyone looks out for themselves and what we've got to do is ensure that Eibar have a great season and I'm willing to make a contribution in whatever position".
"It's great to be coming to a new club and be reunited with teammates that you spent a year and a half with at other clubs. It's important as it always makes it easier to settle in. It looks as if there's a good spirit and a vibe in the dressing room and I'm sure that I'll settle in quickly, which is what I need to do right now".
Garagarza underlined that "Anaitz is a player that we'd identified some time ago now".
"He's able to operate in two or three positions and it's important to highlight that versatility. Had we not signed him, we would have struggled to have a plan B and C in our defence. He's one of the first players that we earmarked as one that we wanted to bring to Eibar. He's a valuable and well-known player. This signing completes our squad for this season".
Speaking on behalf of the club board, Gorostiza sought to welcome the latest addition to the squad. "We believe that you'll soon feel right at home here and we hope that you'll perform to your best".