Zubiaurre wrangle settled

The Rojiblancos presented the 23-year-old to the media in July 2005, though he was still contracted to Basque rivals Real Sociedad at the time.

Sociedad were outraged, and promptly demanded a 32 million euro transfer fee, which Athletic contested. They were then ordered to pay a five million pound fee, which Sociedad contested too.

The clubs has been entangled in a complicated legal wrangle ever since, with Zubiaurre unable to play for either side.

"It has been a very difficult and complicated period. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone," Zubiaurre said.

Both clubs are currently struggling in the league this season, with Sociedad bottom of the league on just three points, and Athletic 16th on eight points.