Nico Williams on Barcelona links and newfound fame – 'There are things you're better off not doing'
Athletic Club is the star of Spain Nico Williams he admitted that it took him a while to get used to being an international name. The 22-year-old was one of the faces of La Roja's Euro 2024 victory, and for that, he has to adapt his lifestyle.
The Basque flyer said that while he was recognized before, it rarely had a major impact on his choices. Williams explained that now even abroad he is well known.
“Before the Euros, people in Spain knew me, but now it's a global thing. When we go to Italy to play Roma in the Europa League, I think people don't know me here and suddenly I arrived and there were many people waiting for me and asking for photos. It's all a bit different from the life I led before, but I accept it with great pleasure Williams said. The World.
Nico Williams was booed by Barca fans at Montjuic:
“I'm surprised by the whistles, I won't lie to you. But well, I didn't give it much importance because when you go to a rival ground it's common for them to whistle, what happens is. which this time is … pic.twitter.com/85lLVq7iTH
— Football España (@footballespana_) October 14, 2024
The difference can be clearly felt in Bilbao and outside Bilbao, where he spent his professional career.
“In Bilbao, people tend to respect you a lot. In this city, the fact of playing at Athletic is a privilege and everyone treats you wonderfully, everything is praise and they don't overwhelm you, but in other places things get complicated” .
“I always liked to go to Madrid with my friends or my family and I could go shopping like anyone else, it went a little unnoticed, but lately I haven't stopped going to Gran Vía because everyone they want pictures, there's a big commotion. and you can't even walk. The last time I went to buy a goat with my friends. I didn't understand why. Now I understand that my level of fame has changed and there are things that are better not to do, but in any case it is very nice and I like the experience. How can you not like that people love you so much?
Fermín López is training with the group. @sergisoleMD
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) October 14, 2024
Williams was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona in the summer, with president Joan Laporta claiming the Catalan side were in a position to pay his €58m release clause. This move was never made, and ended up being booed by Blaugrana fans during the match AthleticThe 2-1 loss to Barcelona in August.
However, he no longer thinks about his future.
“I don't think now. The fans are very happy to stay 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 let people see it. I think they're doing really well and trying to take Athletic to the top in Spain and Europe, with that final in San Mames exciting us so much,” explained Williams .
We were told that Barcelona It could come back for him next summer, although he has calmed down with the impressive form of Raphinha, who has six goals and six assists in 11 appearances.
After a shortened pre-season, Williams eased his way back into the Athletic season, missing two games through injury. He has a goal and an assist in his nine appearances, but more generally, it's been a gentle start to the season for Los Leones.
