Javi Martinez: Athletic Bilbao want to make history

May 9, 2012 8:39:00 AM

The Spain international is eagerly anticipating Wednesday's Europa League decider, and wants to help the Basque side to their first continental trophy in the club's history

Javi Martinez is looking to create history with Athletic Bilbao as he hopes to beat Atletico Madrid in Wednesday's Europa League final in Bucharest in order to help the Basque giants claim their first-ever European trophy.

The Spain international feels that the all-Spanish decider against Atletico is the perfect opportunity for the Basque side to pick up their maiden European title, but warned that the Colchoneros will be an "aggressive" opponent.

"We are one of the most important clubs in the Spanish league, and not only that because very few teams in the world have stayed in the first division throughout their entire history," Javi Martinez was quoted as saying on the official Uefa website.

"If a club like this has never won a European trophy and they have a chance now, that could be a great memory to cherish for eternity. We need to be aware of that, and that's why we regard this final as something historic.

"Atletico are a difficult club to play against because since the arrival of [Diego] Simeone they have started to play very aggressively. They're very hard to beat."

Wednesday's final at the Arena Nationala kicks off at 20.45CET.

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