Unai Simón: "I thought I'd be Remiro's backup"

Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simón recalls his surprise recall from Elche loan in 2018, learning of his return during local festivities when Kepa left for Chelsea and Iago suffered injury.

In an appearance on Athletic Bilbao's podcast 'Athletic Talks', Unai Simón discussed his brief loan spell at Elche and his unexpected recall to the Basque club. He was told to return at midnight during local festivities while watching fireworks, with club official Amorrortu calling to inform him of the decision.

Simón arrived unaware of the goalkeeper crisis unfolding at San Mamés. Kepa had departed for Chelsea and Iago Herrerín was injured, but Simón initially believed he would return as backup to Remiro. However, upon arrival on Thursday, manager Berizzo informed him on Sunday that he would start. The club had made a decision regarding Remiro, and Simón would be the one to play. He made his debut the following Monday.

Simón described the alignment of circumstances as fortunate, acknowledging the weight of jumping from Segunda B to La Liga and carrying the team while Herrerín recovered from injury over two months. Remiro eventually signed with Real Sociedad at the end of that season. The two will face each other tomorrow in the San Mamés derby.