"It's always good when big teams want you" - Nico Williams speaks out after rejecting move to Barcelona, Chelsea and PSG this summer 

Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams has opened up about his decision to stay at the club despite links with the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The Spain international was the subject of interest from a host of European giants throughout the summer but ended up staying at the Estadio San Mames.

Williams enjoyed a stellar season with Athletic Bilbao last time out contributing with eight goals and 19 assists in 37 games. He also played a key role in helping Spain clinch the European Championship 2024, scoring twice and providing one assist in six games.

The 22-year-old has now opened up on his decision, insisting that while he was flattered by the attention, he wanted to stay at his boyhood club. Williams said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano on X (formerly Twitter):

“My heart is Bilbao, but nobody knows what will happen in the future. It's always good when big teams want you. But I always said that I wanted to be here”.

He added:

“If there was anything, it was from my agent. But I wanted to play in Europe with Bilbao."

Nico Williams came through the youth ranks of Athletic Bilbao joining the club back in 2013. The fleet-footed winger has made 126 appearances for the Basque Country club to date, scoring 20 times while producing 26 assists. He is capped 20 times for Spain and has scored four times while creating six for his teammates at the international level.

---

Former Chelsea star opens up on his time at Barcelona

Former Chelsea and Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has opened up on his time at Barcelona. The Gabon international insisted that he is grateful to the Catalan giants for giving him an opportunity when he was in a low phase of his life. The Al-Qadsiah forward said, as quoted by Barca Times:

“Before signing for Barca, I was in depression due to my parents' health and started drinking a lot. Barca gave me a chance and I'll always be grateful."

The former Borussia Dortmund attacker added:

"I’ve never enjoyed playing football and going to training so much. I even went to train with the team on off-days, that should tell you a lot. It was incredible. I wish I could have stayed for more years.”

Aubameyang joined Barcelona in February 2022, signing a deal until June 2025 with an option to depart on June 30, 2023. However, he left the club in the summer of 2022 to join Chelsea.

He scored 13 goals and provided one assist in 24 appearances for the Catalan giants. The striker had a forgettable spell with Chelsea scoring just three goals in 21 appearances.