Javi Martinez about to transfer back to Athletic Bilbao?

If you paid close attention, you may have noticed that Javi Martinez was missing from Bayern Munich’s traditional Paulaner photoshoot. Alas, Javi has presumably packed his lederhosen for good: Bild reports that the Spanish central midfielder will transfer back to Athletic Bilbao, where he played from 2006 to 2012.

Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for Paulaner

Javi has thus bookended his Bayern career with Champions League victories. He transferred from Bilbao for stately €40 million and helped his new club secure Europe’s ultimate soccer prize. He now returns to his home on a reported fee of €10 million.

Bayern had said that they would not put any obstacles in Javi’s way. Martinez was overheard joking during a training session that Bilbao had only the jersey number 2 left for him. Now we’ll presumably see whether that pans out.

Javi played 238 games for Bayern. He leaves with a trophy collection of 8 Bundesliga championships, 5 DFB-Pokale, two Champions League cups, a Club World Cup, and a European Supercup.

Farewell, Javi, and take care hiking out there in the Pyrenees!