NicoWilliams returned to the starting lineup for Athletic after the victory over Getafe in SanMamés, while at the same time he faced a controversy that arose as a result of statements from his agent, FélixTainta. The winger, who had played only a few minutes on Wednesday at the Ciutat de València, was involved in the last two weeks in a discussion about his future and the reasons why he did not sign for Barça.
The representative of Williams, of Navarrese origin, stated that the player had wanted to leave Athletic and that the decision not to join Barcelona was due to the lack of security regarding his registration, citing the financial problems of the Catalan club. Tainta had also commented that the footballer had numerous offers from European teams, including PSG and Arsenal, but that he had chosen to remain at the Basque club.
Faced with the accusations, Williams addressed the media in SanMamés and clarified that he and his brother had made the decision jointly. "My brother was clear with what he said. It's a little difficult when your name is involved in these things. I try to enjoy myself on the field, my brother spoke very well. Félix was wrong, he was not right. Things were not like that. Only my parents and my brother know the decision I made. What happens at home, only we know. I have never doubted being here and I have had countless offers. I have been able to leave and I am here. I understand that those statements have bothered me. My intention was being here, that cannot be doubted. I had countless teams in Europe, PSG, Arsenal... I told everyone not to be here," he explained.
In addition to the controversy over his future, agent Tainta had also been criticized for a message on social media in which he was said to have criticized the club's fans. Williams tried to clarify that the publication was a mistake: "I got into it and accidentally hit it. I took a nap, I got up and my brother called me asking me about it. I was freaking out, it's reality. I'm a clueless person, I'm not perfect. It wasn't getting into the trap, I'm intelligent. Social media is not the real way. I'm left with what I see every day, with countless children who want to be like Nico or like Vivi (for Vivian, who was by his side in the press room). I have worked as hard as anyone, I have shown that I want to be here.”
Athletic, which remains in the European qualification zone, will continue to have Williams in its squad for the next matches. The Basque club has strengthened its defense after the departure of some players and seeks to consolidate its position in the league. With the controversy over the agent now clarified, the team focuses on preparing for the next phase of the competition.