Earlier this month, Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte criticized the Spanish Football Federation for failing to shield Nico Williams from relentless speculation about his future, particularly concerning strong interest from Barcelona. The constant media attention has caused frustration among those at San Mames.
Unai Simon’s Response
In a press conference in Bilbao on Thursday morning, Unai Simon expressed his frustration with the media coverage surrounding Williams. Simon criticized the sensationalism, stating:
“It has been a very complicated month and a half for him, to be all day reading news about him that he himself did not know, invented things – because 90% of things were invented. The pressure to which a 22-year-old boy has been subjected is not easy, and the only fault he has is to have been one of the best wingers in Europe and the best winger, with Lamine Yamal, of the European Championship.
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“Nico has earned the respect of the Athletic dressing room and the Spanish national team. No one is going to say anything to him about the decision he makes, it is impossible, we will be happy with the decision he makes. The only advice I can give him is that after everything he has experienced, the year he has had that has been honours, is that he enjoys the holidays with his people and then comes here with his batteries charged.”
Future Uncertainty
The situation surrounding Nico Williams is expected to reach a conclusion soon. Athletic Club hopes that he will choose to remain at San Mames rather than moving to Barcelona.