Athletic Club Bilbao's Spain international forward, Nico Williams ended rumors about his future on Tuesday when he cut short his holidays by a week to return to pre-season training with the club.

Nico Williams (R) of Spain shoots during the UEFA European Championship 2024 Qualifying group round match between Spain and Cyprus in Granada, Spain, on Sept. 12, 2023. (Photo by Gustavo Valient/Xinhua)

Williams was one of the star players as Spain won this summer's European championships and scored the opening goal as they beat England 2-1 in the final.

He was also vital as the club from the Basque Region in the north of Spain won the Copa del Rey knockout tournament for the first time in 40 years and finished fifth in LaLiga.

Although the younger of the Williams brothers signed a new contract at the end of 2023, a relatively accessible release clause of 58 million euros meant that the summer has been filled with rumors of a possible move.

FC Barcelona wanted to sign him, with Barcelona president, Joan Laporta even saying the club had the money to complete the move, while Paris Saint Germain are also thought to have made an offer for the 22-year-old.

Nico's decision to return to training a week before he was due on August 12, has now ended those rumors.

"Hello Athletic fans, I'm back and I'm really looking forward to this season. Let's go," he said in a short video released by his club.

Athletic kick off the new LaLiga season on August 16th when they entertain Getafe in the San Mames Stadium while their second game sees them visit Barcelona to give LaLiga some early season spice.

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)