Spain forward Nico Williams has signed a new contract with Athletic Club until 2035.
He recently snubbed Barcelona’s advances to sign him from the Basque side this summer, and fans have been reacting.
Speaking via a video released on Athletic’s social media channels, Nico said that he made the decision to extend his contract with his heart.
According to him, Athletic Club is where he wants to be because the Spanish club and city is home to him and his loved ones.
“When you have to make decisions, for me, what weights most is the heart.
I am where I want to be, with my people, this is my home. Aupa Athletic!” he said.
The Spain international has long been the subject of interest from Barça, who first tried to sign him last summer. It appeared like he would eventually join Barcelona this year, with Athletic even complaining to La Liga last week about Barça’s finances in a bid to cancel the deal.
The deal was believed to be so far along days ago; however, Williams decided to stay at the club he first joined as an 11-year-old in the end.
He currently plays at Athletic Club alongside his brother, Ghana international Iñaki Williams, and they will both get the chance to play Champions League football next season.
Since breaking into Athletic’s first team in 2021, he has made 167 appearances for the club, scoring 31 goals. He was also part of the team which won the Copa del Rey in 2024, ending a 40-year major trophy drought.
