Koikili Lertxundi


Koikili Lertxundi del Campo, known simply as Koikili or Koi for short, is a Spanish former footballer who played as a left back.
A late bloomer, he only became a professional at the age of 26 after signing with Athletic Bilbao. During his five-year spell with the club, he appeared in 98 competitive matches.

Club career

Koikili was born in Otxandio, Basque Country. Playing fourth division football just two seasons before moving to Athletic Bilbao, he was signed from third level side Sestao River Club for the start of 2007–08. He made his La Liga debut on 26 August, playing the full 90 minutes in a 0–0 home draw against Navarrese neighbours CA Osasuna, whose reserves he had already represented in the late 90s/early 2000s.
Koikili was first-choice for much of the campaign, dislodging international Asier del Horno. On his 27th birthday he scored his first top-level goal, in a 1–1 home draw against Real Murcia.
Koi appeared slightly less in the following two seasons for Athletic, but still took part in a combined 52 official games. On 11 January 2009, he netted the 1–1 at Atlético Madrid in an eventual 3–2 win.
Koikili was deemed surplus to requirements at Athletic in 2011–12 after the appointment of manager Marcelo Bielsa, alongside teammates Aitor Ocio and Iban Zubiaurre – he remained with the club, however. On 25 June 2014, he retired at age 33 after spending two seasons at CD Mirandés.

Personal life

Koikili was a Greco-Roman wrestler in his youths, once being crowned Spanish champion at under-15 level.

Honours

Athletic Bilbao