Nico Williams has decided to ignore Barcelona links until the end of Euro 2024 – 'I don't want to hear anything'

It's been a crazy 12 months for Nico Williams. He played a significant role in Athletic Club finishing fifth in La Liga, while also being part of the team that won Los Leones' first Copa del Rey title in 40 years. In recent weeks, he has been a major player for Spain at Euro 2024, and this has seen his stock rise exponentially.

Williams spoke recently AS Diary about the last 12 months of his life, and specifically, the effect his strong performances in Germany had, and could have, on him.

“Maybe I will be recognized in places that I thought I would not be. It is true that life changes. I always said that I played these games at Athletic and they were not seen because we did not play in European competitions.

“This year we participated. I took advantage of the opportunities I had, to fulfill one more dream, to make myself known. To be able to be or try to be one of the best players in my position. That's what that I try to do every day and what I have to do is to continue in this row. I am good and I have to continue like this.”

Williams also spoke about the support he received from family, including his brother Inaki, who is also his teammate at Athletic. He also spoke briefly about the interest that was shown in him, especially from Barcelona.

“Finally, my brother is a very important person for me. He experienced a situation similar to mine. He also had offers outside Athletic, but I said I didn't want to know anything from outside, about signatures or stories. They know how I am, the personality I have; I don't like to know because I'm easily distracted. I prefer to be focused on one thing and go for it. Because if one thing or another comes to me, in the end my head does not work well. My agent, my parents and my family know me perfectly and they know that I don't want to hear anything until the European Championship is over.

Williams has been one of the best players to watch at Euro 2024, and could be a difference-maker when Spain hosts Germany on Friday night. His battle with Joshua Kimmich, who has struggled against tricky wings lately, will be very tasty.