Nico Williams' summer has not been quiet. Rumors, speculation, leaks, and even acts of vandalism have surrounded the Spanish international's decision about his future. Finally, the Navarran striker ha...
Nico Williams' summer has not been quiet. Rumors, speculation, leaks, and even acts of vandalism have surrounded the Spanish international's decision about his future. Finally, the Navarran striker has decided to stay at Athletic Club, a choice that, according to his brother, has been marked by commitment, reflection... and also external pressure.
🔴⚪️ Iñaki y la renovación de Nico:
— Endika Río (@endikario) July 29, 2025
🗣️ "Ha tomado la decisión no solo con el corazón sino con ambición. Lo fácil sería irse a ganar Premiers, Bundesligas o Ligas y ha decidido estar con el Athletic, dejar su legado aquí y poder llegar a ser como lo fue en su día Julen Guerrero". pic.twitter.com/5pfmSX4cnm
Iñaki Williams spoke today at a press conference. And he didn't dodge any questions about how Nico has lived this summer. "At a family level, it's been a bit complicated because a lot has been said about my brother and a lot of what has been said about Nico is a lie. The only thing he has done is keep quiet", said the new captain of Athletic. "Everyone is entitled to think and reflect on their future. At many times during the summer, people haven't been fair to him".
The expectation surrounding Nico was understandable. At just 22 years old, he had sparked the interest of several European giants. "Nico was able to choose because he had many offers and many teams bid for him, as he is a player of a very high level and had a clause that was easy to assume. He was a sweet treat for the big teams".
But the decision-making process wasn't easy. Beyond the sports pressure, there were also unpleasant incidents. "Things happened that dirtied everything, like vandalizing the mural or breaking a car window... All that external noise can make him doubt", his brother laments.
Despite everything, Nico has chosen to continue in Bilbao, convinced that he still has a lot to offer the club. "He has decided with his heart and ambition. He has decided to be with us and leave his legacy here, just like Julen Guerrero did in his day, and be a reference for wanting to make his way here".
The family has lived through this process firsthand. "There have been many calls and video calls throughout this time. Many times I had to stop him because I saw things he didn't like. But the decision was his, and on my part, there was no pressure".
Now, after weeks of uncertainty, the player is preparing to start a new season at San Mamés, where the reception is expected to be worthy of the gesture. "The people of Athletic should understand that it's not easy to make a life decision in a short time. In the first league game, when he steps onto San Mamés, he will receive enormous affection".
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.
📸 ANDER GILLENEA - AFP or licensors
Category: General Sports
