Pamplona (Tuesday, August 6, 2024) – Osasuna homegrown forward Iker Benito and sporting director Braulio Vázquez addressed the media following Benito’s contract extension through the 2026-27 campaign. “It is a step forward in my career. Being on loan helped me grow as a footballer and a person and this contract extension is an important step in my career. I am happy to extend my tenure with Osasuna,” the winger said. “I want to thank the club, [assistant sporting director] Cata [Prieto] and Braulio for the extension, and my agents. Since the beginning, we have been both willing, which has made the process very smooth.”

When asked about being with the club through the 2026-27 season, Benito said, “I am joyful for me, my family, and everyone around me. Being here for [two] more years and is amazing. This is an important step for me, and I want to give back the trust and be more hopeful than ever.” He was later asked about his time at F.C. Andorra, “It was a positive experience. Aside from the relegation, everything was positive. It pushed me to go through things I’d never gone through before, and it was the first time I was alone. I’ve grown a ton as a person and as a footballer. I polished some of my talents and know work still needs to be done.”

“We believe in his talent on and off the pitch, which made it an easy decision to extend his contract,” Braulio Vázquez

Meanwhile, Vázquez highlighted the club’s excitement to extend its link with the homegrown player, “We believe in his talent on and off the pitch, which made it an easy decision to extend his contract. From the get-go, he has been willing. On the field, he brings different tools to what we already have on the squad. We are thrilled to have him here, and before the transfer window closes, we will decide if we loan him out.” Vázquez later highlighted Benito’s qualities: “Besides his skills in the field, which you already know, he has what I consider an important quality, which is his humility to push himself forward and always try to improve.”