Athletic Bilbao midfielder Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta is ready to face former club Real Mallorca this weekend.

Ruiz de Galarreta returned to Athletic from Mallorca this summer.

"It was spectacular to be back on the pitch in a completely full San Mames. All my friends and family in the stands were very excited. It was a very special match that I will always remember," the midfielder said about his second debut at The Cathedral, the Lions' LaLiga opener against Real Madrid.

"Personally, I feel very enthusiastic and excited. The dressing room is just like it was 10 years ago. The lads are ambitious, hard working and want to do great things. Every year is different, but we have to work every week. At the moment, we've picked up two consecutive victories and we're optimistic about having a great season."

He added: "It's going to be a special match for me. I'm going back to a place where I spent three spectacular years with teammates and friends I keep in touch with.

"However, it will be difficult. Mallorca need to pick up points and they've built a very well-rounded team. They've strengthened in the summer, they're solid at the back and it's hard to create chances against them. We'll have to play very well to get the three points."