Athletic's Iraola Unaware Of Madrid Interest

Athletic Bilbao’s highly-rated right-back, Andoni Iraola has revealed that he is completely oblivious to reports that Real Madrid are interested in his services.

Spanish sports daily Marca had previously reported that Real Madrid had been considering bringing Spanish international right-back, Andoni Iraola to the Bernabéu next season.

But when queried about a possible move to the capital, the 26-year-old himself admitted that he had no knowledge of the interest shown in him.

“You’ve caught me by surprise because I am only finding out about it right now,” he replied when he was questioned by Marca following yesterday’s training session at San Mamés.

“I haven’t read about it in the papers or heard anything about it. And I can’t validate whether or not Madrid are really interested in me because I just found out,” added a puzzled and apologetic Iraola.

The combative but skilful attacking right-back signed his first professional contract in 2005, two years after breaking into Athletic’s first team. He has since penned a new and improved deal with the Basque outfit until June 30, 2014 with a buy-out clause set at around €24 million.

Iraola, a penalty specialist, received his first call-up to the Spanish national team in August this year for a friendly against Denmark where he played the final 15 minutes of the game after replacing Real Madrid’s own Sergio Ramos.