Xabier 'Xabi' Iruretagoiena Arantzamendi (born 21 March 1986), commonly known as Irureta, is a Spanish footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for FC La Unión Atlético.

He spent most of his professional career with Eibar, representing the club in all three major levels of Spanish football while appearing in 229 matches in all competitions.

Xabi Irureta

Club career

Eibar

Born in Ondarroa, Biscay, Irureta made his senior debut with local Real Unión in the 2005–06 season, in the Segunda División B. In summer 2006, he moved to amateurs CD Aurrerá Ondarroa also in his native Basque Country.

Xabi Irureta

In July 2007, Irureta joined SD Eibar, being initially assigned to the reserves in the Tercera División. He played his first game as a professional on 30 May 2009, starting in a 3–0 Segunda División away loss against Xerez CD, and made a further three appearances during the campaign as the side suffered relegation after finishing in 21st position.

Xabi Irureta

Irureta was definitely promoted to the main squad in July 2009, being named first choice ahead of Zigor Goikuria. In 2012–13, he appeared in 46 matches (34 in the league, 4,126 minutes of action) to help Eibar return to the second division after a four-year absence.

On 20 February 2014, Irureta signed a new two-year deal with the club, which was promoted to La Liga for the first time ever. He made his debut in the competition on 24 August aged 28, in a 1–0 home victory over Real Sociedad.

Zaragoza

On 20 July 2016, free agent Irureta agreed to a two-year contract at Real Zaragoza of the second tier. On 1 September of the following year, after losing his starting position to youth graduate Álvaro Ratón, he left.

Delhi Dynamos

Irureta moved abroad on 4 January 2018, joining Indian Super League franchise Delhi Dynamos FC. He made his debut in the competition three days later, in a 2–2 away draw against Chennaiyin FC.

Career statistics

References

External links

1986 births

Living people

People from Ondarroa

Spanish men's footballers

Footballers from Biscay

Men's association football goalkeepers

La Liga players

Segunda División players

Segunda División B players

Tercera División players

Tercera Federación players

Real Unión footballers

SD Eibar footballers

Real Zaragoza players

UD San Sebastián de los Reyes players

Villarrubia CF players

Racing Murcia FC players

Indian Super League players

Odisha FC players

Basque Country men's international footballers

Spanish expatriate men's footballers

Expatriate men's footballers in India

Spanish expatriate sportspeople in India