Pedro de Astigarraga Amezaga

Pedro de Astigarraga Amezaga (18 February 1882 – 9 September 1965) was a Spanish doctor and footballer who played as a forward for RCD Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao. He later served as the 6th president of the latter club between 1910 and 1911, and again between 1917 and 1919.

Early life and education

Pedro de Astigarraga was born Bilbao on 18 February 1882. He studied medicine in Barcelona and Madrid, specializing in France and Germany.

Sporting career

In 1902, the 20-year-old Astigarraga was among the founding members of Real Club Marítimo del Abra, being the no. 17.

In his youth, Astigarraga was one of the founders of Athletic Bilbao in 1901, at the age of 19. While studying in Barcelona, he joined the ranks of Espanyol, making his debut in a match against Sant Gervasi, on a day when an unusual formation was presented. Together with Ángel Ponz, Gustavo Green, Emilio Sampere, and the three Joaquins (Escardó, Carril, and García), Belauste was part of the team that won the first edition of the Catalan championship in 1903–04.

Astigarraga was also a player of the Athletic Club in the 1905–06 season, and then again in the 1914–15 season, and president of the club in the 1910–11 season, and then again between 1917 and 1919.

Professional career

In 1918, Astigarraga was elected councilor of the Bilbao City Council, which recognized his work by awarding him the town's gold medal. In 1941 he was appointed president of the Official College of Physicians of Bizkaia. He collaborated in various medical journals and attended several International Congresses. He also appeared as a member of the International Society of Gastroenterology and presided over both the Vizcaya Pro-Cardiacos Foundation and the "Juan Urrutia" Pension and Retirement Fund.

Death

Zarraoa married María del Rosario Vicenta Urigüen y Gallo-Alcántara. He was the great-grandfather of Andrés Merello, from the RCD Espanyol's Communication Department.

He died in Bilbao on 9 September 1965, at the age of 83. A street was named after him.

Honours

RCD Espanyol

• Catalan championship:
  • Champions (1): 1903–04