sentences:  Born in Pamplona, Navarre, Lacruz's professional career began in 1994 with hometown side CA Osasuna in the second division, making his first appearance for the main squad aged just 16, and in 1997 he joined Athletic Bilbao, where he made his La Liga debut in a 1–0 home win against Atlético Madrid on 13 September.He was a regular starter for the latter in six of his nine seasons.After 251 official games with Athletic – five in the 1998–99 edition of the UEFA Champions League – Lacruz moved to RCD Espanyol in the summer 2006 for €300,000 on a three-year contract, reuniting with former manager Ernesto Valverde.