After much speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona, Nico Williams ultimately decided to stay at Athletic Bilbao, even signing a 10-year contract extension until 2035.
According to newly appointed Bilbao captain Inaki Williams, his brother endured a difficult summer due to the rumors surrounding Barcelona's interest.
"Everyone knows the pressure Barcelona tried to create with Bilbao fans and my brother," Inaki Williams said. "They thought their tactics would work. The external noise damaged and worsened everything. A terrible smear campaign took place."
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Lamine Yamal (left) pulls Nico Williams' shirt during Barcelona's visit to San Mames Stadium last season. Photo: EFE |
Lamine Yamal (left) pulls Nico Williams' shirt during Barcelona's visit to San Mames Stadium last season. Photo: EFE
Inaki Williams revealed that his family was also affected by the intense speculation surrounding Nico, much of which he claims was untrue. "My brother just stayed silent. Everyone has the right to think about and consider their future. But many times during the summer, people were unfair to Nico," he added.
The 31-year-old striker compared Nico's deliberation over leaving Bilbao for Barcelona to choosing a dish at a restaurant or furniture for a house, a time-consuming process. "We had many calls and video chats. Bilbao fans should understand that making such an important life decision in a short time was difficult for my brother."
Before committing his long-term future to San Mames, Nico Williams was reportedly a target for not only Barcelona, but also Bayern Munich. Many Bilbao fans believed he was genuinely considering Barcelona's offer, only changing his mind at the last minute.
Inaki Williams acknowledged this, but defended his brother. "Nico received many offers from big clubs because he is an excellent player with an affordable release clause. Nico was a 'prime target' for big teams. It wasn't easy with so much external noise causing him to waver at times, but Nico made the right decision."
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Inaki (right) congratulates his brother Nico during his contract extension announcement with Bilbao in 2023. Photo: EFE |
Inaki (right) congratulates his brother Nico during his contract extension announcement with Bilbao in 2023. Photo: EFE
However, Inaki Williams revealed that drafting the 10-year contract between Bilbao and Nico was more complex than the public perceived. The new captain believes that agreeing to stay at Bilbao demonstrates his brother's maturity and faith in a rapidly improving team.
Inaki Williams shared that he sometimes had to calm Nico down after he read negative news and opinions. The backlash from some Bilbao fans towards the 23-year-old went beyond comments in the press or on social media. A mural depicting Nico alongside Inaki, Iker Muniain, and Oscar De Marcos – all Bilbao legends – in the Lutxana neighborhood of Baracaldo was vandalized. Some extremists even smashed Nico's car windows.
"Those kinds of incidents worsened the situation," Inaki Williams said. "But my brother decided with his heart and ambition. Nico had opportunities to join new teams, potentially winning the Premier League or Bundesliga, but he stayed to build a legacy like Julen Guerrero, becoming an icon by following his own path here. I hope one day Nico will wear the Bilbao captain's armband."
Compiled by Ha Phuong
