Xabi Irureta

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

Club career

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

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

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, 4126 minutes of action) to help Eibar return to the second tier 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, starting in a 1–0 home success against Real Sociedad.

On 20 July 2016, free agent Irureta signed a two-year deal with Real Zaragoza in the second level.