Athletic Bilbao legend Julen Guerrero says the club has managed to retain it's principles.

Athletic Club are known for backing local Basque talent and local clubs.

Guerrero told Marca: "I think Athletic continues to maintain that idea of taking kids, helping them, being formal, that they move up the ranks, that every year there are two or three debuts. There will be better or worse years, but they keep fighting for... look at this year.

"There are many people who are beginning to have to travel or have to go abroad, many people who have been part of Athletic all their lives, but their child is born in I don't know where... that is a debate that is beginning to open up a little now. Surely that child will be born wearing the Athletic shirt, a feeling that is passed from generation to generation. I think it's opening up a little. Let's see how far he goes.

"Athletic has always been at the top and that means that things have been done well. You have gone through different moments, but of course that gives you a very great identity and strength."