Mikel Balenziaga has announced he will leave Athletic Bilbao at the end of the season.

The defender has been with Athletic Club for 12 years.

"Because of people like Carlos Gurpegui, Oscar de Marcos, Josu Urrutia and El Txopo [Iribar], I'll be an Athletic fan until the day I die," Balenziaga said at his media conference at San Mames.

"What I am most proud of is having been able to help pass on the same values I was taught when I arrived here at Athletic. This is a big family and it is very much alive.

"The decision to leave was made completely naturally, and done in full agreement with the head coach and the Club. This isn't a farewell yet, as we've got nine crucial matches left over this next month and a half."

He added: "I want to keep playing football. I still have a lot of enthusiasm and energy. My ambition is to continue."

In attendance was Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte, who praised Balenziaga's "impressive career" and "unwavering commitment", before insisting that "nobody at the club has a bad word to say about Mikel".