 Over 12 professional seasons he played mainly for Athletic Bilbao, appearing in 230 official games for his main club (nearly 200 in La Liga) and scoring 26 goals.Born in Pamplona, Navarre, Tiko emerged through the ranks of hometown club CA Osasuna, alternating between the A and B-sides for some time, with the former competing in the second division.His professional debut came on 10 May 1997, as he scored an injury time-winner away against CD Badajoz (1–0).