Nico Williams has reinforced his older brother Inaki Williams’ dream of helping Athletic Bilbao achieve major success, as the Basque club prepares for a crucial Europa League semi-final clash against Manchester United.
The Williams brothers have been vital to Bilbao’s rise in recent seasons, playing key roles in the club’s Copa del Rey triumph, which secured them a spot in this season’s Europa League. With Champions League qualification now within reach and the prospect of a Europa League final at their home ground, San Mamés, Nico is determined to lead the team to European success.
“United are a great team, they have great players, like Bruno Fernandes. We’ll have to do our best to get the win. We’re very excited in the dressing room, as is the whole city and the whole Athleticzale family,” Nico said during a pre-match press conference.
He also echoed the mindset of his brother Inaki, who last season called for calm and quiet focus amid growing expectations.
“My brother said it last year: ‘Under the radar.’ I understand the fans’ feelings, but we have to be 100% focused on the match and on doing our job. We’re going to play our hearts out to get to the final in San Mamés,” Nico added.
Beyond the pitch, the younger Williams paid tribute to the club’s unique philosophy of developing homegrown talent—a system that has produced stars like himself and many others.
“Everyone has to look at our achievement, we’re a unique club. We have never been relegated and we do everything with local people. We take a lot of pride in that,” he concluded.
Athletic Bilbao’s strong identity, fueled by local talent and a passionate fanbase, now faces a defining moment in their European journey, with the Williams brothers at the heart of it all.
