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Western Utd land Guarrotxena in A-League

3 minute read

Western United have signed Iker Guarrotxena for the rest of the A-League season and the Spaniard could feature against Melbourne City.

Wellington Phoenix A-League Head coach MARK RUDAN.
Wellington Phoenix A-League Head coach MARK RUDAN. Picture: Elias Rodriguez/Getty Images

Western United have bolstered their A-League attack with the addition of winger Iker Guarrotxena and could unleash the Spaniard as soon as Saturday's clash with Melbourne City.

United unveiled Guarrotxena, who has signed until the end of the season, on Thursday.

"The first moment I had the opportunity to come here, I didn't have any doubt," he told reporters.

"I was clear that I wanted to come here. I did all that I can to come here because I know this was an opportunity for me to grow as a player, to improve.

"To have a chance to play in the Australian league for a foreign player is not easy, so that's why I'm so happy. I'm looking forward to Saturday."

The 28-year-old had been training with United, who haven't played since their season-opener on December 28, but had to wait on his international transfer clearance before he could be unveiled.

Guarrotxena, who describes himself as "dynamic", is adamant he is fit to play against City with coach Mark Rudan confirming the attacker will be in his squad.

United started looking for an attacker amid doubt over Max Burgess' future at the club and settled on Guarrotxena though Burgess has since returned to Victoria and will be back training next week.

"(Guarrotxena is a) great age, very mobile, very good - he's a good dribbler, he's a great athlete too," Rudan said.

"He makes runs, forward runs, he can score and he plays in various positions.

"He can play out in the wing, he can play internally inside, he can roll into No.10 as well.

"He was fit, and that's the other thing - he was actually playing at the time."

Originally from Bilbao, Guarrotxena came through Athletic Bilbao's youth ranks and played for their Segunda B team before stints at Tenerife, Mirandes and Cultural Leonesa.

More recently, he played for Polish club Pogon Szczecin and then Greek outfit Volos.

Guarrotxena leaned on former City and current Macarthur winger Markel Susaeta and Bulls midfielder Benat Etxebarria, both fellow Basque products, when making his decision to move to Australia.

"I know a lot because some Spanish players have played here before," he said.

"Now they have Susaeta and Benat at Macarthur - I played with them in Athletic Bilbao. This a good opportunity for me and I want to improve.

"I spoke with Markel a lot because he lived here in Melbourne before.

"He sent me some references of where to go, where to live - he's a good guy."

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