Real Sociedad honour Xabi Prieto by stitching face onto club badge

Real Sociedad have announced that they will be paying a very special tribute to their longest-serving player ahead of his impending retirement.

Xabi Prieto is hanging up his boots at the end of the season after spending his entire professional career at the club.

So, as a mark of gratitude for 14 years of loyal service, Sociedad will take to the pitch in their final home game with Prieto’s face stitched onto their shirts, replacing their club crest.

Para algunos jugar toda la vida con el mismo escudo es el mejor título que se puede ganar. #EskerrikAskoXabi.

Eskerrik asko 10.

Eskerrik asko kapitaina! #RealSociedad #LeyendaRS pic.twitter.com/36mcUvg8w0

— Real Sociedad Fútbol (@RealSociedad) May 10, 2018

“Xabi has always carried the coat of arms of La Real, and La Real will have him on Saturday as a shield in his last game at the Estadio Anoeta,” the club said.

However, this all somewhat serves to overshadow what will also be a final appearance for Sociedad’s departing veteran right-back Carlos Martinez, who has been at the club four years longer than Prieto.

That’s got to sting a little!

Chris covers the funny side of the game for ESPN FC in the Toe Poke blog.