Ocio seals Athletic return

Aitor Ocio has realised a dream by rejoining Athletic Bilbao from Sevilla.

Ocio becomes the first capture of new boss Joaquin Caparros who was officially unveiled by the Basque outfit on Friday.

The imposing centre half rejoins Athletic after a four-year stint at Sevilla that saw him win four trophies.

He insists he is delighted to be back at the club he supported as a youngster and is adamant that he is a more accomplished player than the one that left the club.

"I am not the young man that had to leave the club," stated the 30-year-old. "I have gained experience both as a player and a person.

"The first time I arrived here I realised a dream from my childhood, which was to wear the Athletic shirt.

"Today I have realised another, to return and be part of this club that I never thought I'd leave."

Ocio is also convinvced that Caparros is the man to lead the Basque club forward after a couple of difficult seasons that have seen them battling relegation.

Caparros - who was installed at the club by new chairman Fernando Garcia Macua - accepted the post after leaving Deportivo La Coruna, and Ocio feels he is a sound choice.

"I think he is a person who will fit perfectly into the philosophy of this club," he continued. "What you can expect from him is hard work and absolute dedication."

Meanwhile, Athletic have cooled their interest in Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia.

"This option is cancelled," said president Alberto Garcia Macua,

"In the last few weeks we spoke with the agent, but we never presented an offer to Arsenal."