The recent decision by president of FC Barcelona Joan Laporta has captured the attention of the soccer world. At a time when Nico Williams was in the spotlight of the Barcelona club, his future became uncertain.
Despite tempting offers and genuine interest from Barça, the footballer decided to stay at Athletic Club. In an interview, Williams explained the reasons behind his choice and made it clear that his heart is still in Bilbao.
Nico Williams and Barça's Interest
Over the past few months, Nico Williams has become one of the most sought-after young talents in La Liga. His performance at Athletic Club has caught the attention of several top clubs, with FC Barcelona being one of the most interested.
The Catalonian team saw Williams as a key player who could contribute to their long-term sporting project. However, despite the approaches, the player chose not to change teams.
The Decision to Stay at Athletic
In the interview, Williams was firm in his decision to continue at Athletic. "You have to know what you want, I am very happy here," he said. His choice is based on a combination of personal and professional factors.
The influence of his brother, Iñaki Williams, as well as his manager, Félix Tainta, were crucial. Both advised him on the importance of remaining in an environment where he feels valued and supported.
The Importance of Family
Williams noticed that his family played a significant role in her decision. “My family also had a lot of weight in this."
“It was an easy decision,” he said. The proximity to his loved ones and friends in Bilbao weighed more than any financial offer he might receive.
For the young footballer: “you have to learn to distinguish between the price and the value of things.” This perspective shows his maturity and understanding of the true meaning of happiness.
The Future in the Air
Despite his decision to stay at Athletic, Nico Williams didn't close the door to a possible move to Barça in the future. “You never know what can happen in soccer,” he said, leaving open the possibility of a change in the future.
His release clause is set at 58 million euros and Athletic has no intention of lowering this figure. The Bilbao club has been clear in its position: they are not negotiating for less, which reinforces their commitment to the young talent.