Although he did not take the field and remained on the bench, he endured muscle discomfort throughout the week. Elche CF and Amorebieta welcome Xabi Etxeita back to the Martínez Valero stadium, a place he called home for three seasons with Elche.
JA Galvan
Xabi Etxeita arrived in 2010 alongside José Bordalás on the bench. He soon emerged as a central figure in Elche’s record-setting 2012-2013 season under Fran Escriba, when the team secured promotion to the top division. The pairing he formed along the defensive axis with Sergio Pelegrin became nearly unbeatable. After his stint with the Franjiverde, he joined Athletic Bilbao and later earned full international recognition with the Spanish national team. His career subsequently took him to Huesca, Getafe, Eibar, and Amorebieta, where at 36 he is sharing his wealth of experience and offering guidance to younger teammates.
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Etxeita always carries fond memories of his time with Elche. The summer season brings a steady flow of visitors to the city of Las Palmeras, including many in the Franjiverde organization, especially those in protocol and marketing, and occasional visits by club figures to Valero during the warmer months. On Sunday, arriving at the stadium with his current team, he had the chance to revisit photos from the remarkable promotion season and recall his days with Elche. “I’m there—damn, it didn’t rain at all. From that promotion eleven seasons ago, it rained a lot, but I have wonderful memories,” he commented in a video published on SD Amorebieta’s social channels.
During a familiar moment at Martínez Valero Stadium, he reconnected with old friends from his Franjiverde days. Etxeita is recognized not only for his mark on the pitch but also for his character—approachable, kind, and always willing to share a smile with supporters and teammates alike.
Although the match day carried a sense of rivalry between Elche and Amorebieta, Etxeita received a standing ovation from the majority of fans as his name was announced over the stadium loudspeakers. The moment underscored the respect he has earned wherever his career has taken him.
Notes from the stands and on-field recollections reinforced the lasting connection between Etxeita and Elche, a reminder that football is as much about relationships as it is about results. The visit highlighted how a player’s journey can weave through rivalries and reunions, leaving the crowd with memories of a shared football heritage.