Aritz Elustondo will leave the club this summer after his contract expires, ending his 12-year career with Real Sociedad.

Real Sociedad released a statement on Tuesday confirming that second captain Aritz Elustondo will leave the club as a free agent at the end of the season.

The statement reads: "Around and off the pitch, Aritz has always been a role model. He is an indispensable member of any team with ambition. As a player who has consistently performed well and has been relied upon by successive managers over the past decade, Aritz earned the respect and admiration of the entire club when he left Real Sociedad. He was always proud to wear the Real Sociedad jersey whenever he stepped onto the pitch. In recent years, he has also been an impeccable captain."

"There are only four league matches left, two of which will be played at the Anoeta Stadium. At that time, the entire 'Blue and White' family will give Aritz the farewell he deserves. A great player is about to leave. He is one of us. Thank you very much, Aritz."

Elustondo, 31, primarily plays as a center-back, but can also play as a right-back when necessary. He came through the Real Sociedad youth academy and made his first-team debut in the Copa del Rey on December 18, 2014.

To date, Elustondo has played for Real Sociedad for 12 seasons. During this time, he has made 310 appearances, contributing 12 goals and 10 assists, and winning two Copa del Rey titles with the team.

Elustondo's departure also marks the beginning of a rebuilding process in Real Sociedad's defense. The club is currently focused on rejuvenating its defense and developing homegrown talents such as Jong Pacheco (25 years old), Lucan Betia (21 years old), and Jon Martin (20 years old).

Image source: Internet/Royal Sociedad official website