Athletic Club star Nico Williams reiterates reasons for turning down Barcelona | OneFootball

Athletic Club star Nico Williams has over the last 24 hours reiterated why exactly he opted against joining Barcelona, in favour of staying put at San Mamés this summer.

The name of wide-man Nico of course dominated the headlines in Catalunya’s capital once more earlier this summer.

As much came after widespread confirmation was forthcoming that Barcelona had reactivated their efforts to bring the 22-year-old in from Athletic.

Just when it appeared as though the transfer was a sure thing, however, Nico, out of the blue, pulled the plug on the operation.

The attacker, instead, made the call to put pen to paper on a lucrative long-term contract extension in Bilbao.

Owing to the last-minute nature of his decision, Nico was subjected to heavy abuse across the Spanish football landscape, particularly by way of the Barcelona fanbase.

The player himself has maintained, though, that his heart remained with Athletic Club throughout the saga.

And Nico laid out a similar message when drawn on the summer speculation surrounding his name once more late on Sunday.

Fresh off a starring display in Athletic’s opening day victory over Sevilla in La Liga, the Spanish international explained:

“I am very happy here. I am very proud of the people and how they have embraced me from minute one. That’s why I stayed here.”

Conor Laird – GSFN