Nico Williams seems to have his days numbered at Athletic Club. The Navarrese winger spoke in the press room at San Mamés after his team's 0-1 defeat to Atlético de Madrid on matchday 4 of LaLiga. As was logical, the conference was focused on his decision to stay in Bilbao instead of signing for FC Barcelona.
Let's remember that the winner of Euro 2024 was the favorite of the Blaugrana team's board to arrive in Barcelona this summer. And although everything possible was done to make that wish a reality, Williams decided to stay at the club of his loves and the Catalans focused all their objectives on signing Dani Olmo, which has been a fantastic bet so far. This is because the former RB Leipzig player has scored two goals in two games played in the Spanish tournament.
The reasons for staying in Bilbao
Despite the interest of Barcelona and other European clubs, the Spanish winger wanted to stay another season at Athletic. However, he has left the door open to leaving next summer, despite the fact that his contract runs until 2027. This is the impression that most of his fans and the media have, as he has repeated on four occasions that he will be with the team for another year.
“Everyone knows what Athletic is for me, I have been here since I was 11 years old, it has been a joint decision with my family, some things that were said were true and others were lies”, explained Wiliams. “Athletic always weighs more, that is what I have shown. My heart is with Athletic, I am very happy in Bilbao, it is the best place to grow, I have to prove myself to be better, Athletic is everything, it has given everything to me and my family”.
Regarding the reasons that have made him stay at his club, the Spaniard said that it was his family since it is not all about sport. "Football is separate from life, you have to take into account how the family is going to be. We are a family, a group, many people have seen it. I have been here since I was a youngster, I want to continue growing as a player, there is no better place to do it," said the Euro winner.
Williams does not close the door to leaving Athletic
The footballer was also asked about his contractual situation and if he wants to extend his clause so that it increases considerably. "It has already been shown that I am happy here, those things are handled by my agent, I have already decided to be here for another year, to continue growing at Athletic, that is what is important now. I have had offers to do other things that another player would have done, but I have decided to stay for another year," he stressed.
At the end of the press conference he was asked if he plans to stay one more season at the club and leave for another club next summer, but he only said: "We are going to enjoy Europe this year, try to win the title and reach the top with Athletic and then we will see." This could certainly be a campaign that determines the player's future. Will we see him in Barcelona next year? Only time will tell.