体坛英语新闻：Gorka Irzizo ends the doubts by penning new deal with Athletic Club Bilbao

MADRID, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Athletic Club Bilbao goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz has ended the speculation about his future by singing a new four year contract with the club.

The 29-year-old, who originally joined the Basque side from Espanyol on a four-year deal three and a half years ago, would have been free to leave on a free transfer at the end of the current season.

His availability had alerted other sides and recent weeks have seen rumors of interest from clubs such as Valencia, FC Barcelona and English Premier League outfit Arsenal.

Perhaps because of the uncertainty over his future, Gorka’s form has dipped in some games this season with errors against Villarreal, Sporting Gijon and Real Madrid all costing his side goals.

Nevertheless, Gorka is still considered to be the most consistent goalkeeper Athletic has had in recent seasons and a fundamental piece of the side coached by Joaquin Caparros.

Now following weeks of tough negotiations in which the club set him a deadline to agree new terms, the goalkeeper has now agreed a new contact that will keep him in Bilbao until the end of June 2015, when he will be 33 years old.

Athletic Club’s next game is this Sunday when the Basque outfit plays a derby against Navarran side, Osasuna, in the San Mames Stadium.