Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams admitted that this summer was filled with many “difficult” moments as Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona pursued his signature, Soccernet.football reports.
Williams had enjoyed a stellar 2023/2024 campaign with Bilbao before going on to dazzle for Spain at the European Championships. The 21-year-old winger made significant contributions as La Roja cruised to glory in Germany.
His performances for Spain throughout the tournament made him one of the most sought after players during the summer transfer window. The impressive youngster drew interests from several top European sides but opted to remain with his boy-hood club.
Williams’ decision to stay put at the San Mames did not sit well with fans of La Liga rivals Barcelona with a packed Estadi Olympic Lluis Comapnys whistling their displeasure at the 21-year-old during Bilbao’s clash against the Blaugrana.
“I was surprised, I’m not going to lie,” he told El Mundo of the negative reaction. “But I didn’t give it much importance. Because when you go to a rival’s field it’s normal for people to whistle at you. But this time it was personal.
“It’s not a big deal, I think that’s also fun as long as it’s not insulting. Being whistled at is the essence of football and I take it pretty well.”
“In the end, you have to live with it. Football works like this, with many interests from clubs, the media, the players… and there is always noise.
“It is neither bad nor good, it is what it is and it does not affect my performance. I continue doing the same job that I have done until now.
“On a personal level, there have also been tough times in which you stop to think about many scenarios and it is difficult. But I have an incredible family and friends who support me. I want to think that this will not happen to me every summer.”
Williams is fully committed to achieving success in the Europa League with Athletic Bilbao this season. The winger insists he isn’t concerned about facing similar transfer speculation next summer, focusing entirely on reaching the UEL final, which will be decided at Bilbao’s home ground.
“I’m not thinking about that [next summer window] right now,” he said. “The fans are very happy that I’m staying here and I’m very happy to be here. Bilbao is my home, I want to continue enjoying it and the truth is that I’m very happy.
“I’ve always had things very clear and I think people see that. I think I’m doing really well and trying to take Athletic to the top in Spain and in Europe, with that final in San Mames that excites us so much. That’s the only thing that matters now.”