Nico Williams was perhaps the biggest target for Barcelona last summer and the club were trying everything they could to get their hands on the Athletic Club superstar.
There was even a point when Barcelona had made a lot of progress in the deal and had only required the approval of Nico, which never quite came.
The Spanish international, who was coming on the back of a successful Euro 2024 campaign, decided to continue at Athletic.
Nico opens up about failed Barcelona move
In a recent interview, Nico was asked about his failed move to Barcelona last summer and what prompted him to remain at Athletic.
In response, the forward was quite unequivocal in expressing his love for the Basque club, even admitting that he never regretted the decision.
“Athletic is my family. The relationship we have within the club is amazing. I don’t think I will find this atmosphere anywhere else. At that moment, I made the decision that I think is right, and I am very happy with it,” Nico said.
Interestingly, the Spaniard was very particular about using the words ‘at that moment’, which curiously implies that the forward could be ready to take a different step in the coming summer.
Nico doesn’t regret staying at Athletic Club (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
It must be remembered that Barcelona have still been linked with a move for Nico, who could be a target for the club even at the end of the season.
This time around, though, Nico must show more commitment if he is to join Barcelona. In the same interview, the forward did reveal his
Nico Williams on relationship with Yamal
“I knew Lamine before, but since he joined the national team, we have become very close. He is incredibly talented and it is fun to play with him,” he said when asked about his relationship with Yamal.
“He has a bright future and I am very happy to share these moments with him. We understand each other very well on the pitch and that makes us strong,” the forward added.
Nico and Yamal’s attacking partnership was crucial in helping Spain reclaim the European Championship title in the summer.
Throughout the tournament, the two showed immense chemistry and looked destined to end up together at Barcelona. In fact, the two even spent the vacation together in the summer.
“He’s a great friend, we talk all the time. I’m also very close to Alejandro Balde, we have an excellent understanding.
“In the summer, for example, I went on holiday with Lamine Yamal to Marbella. Whenever we had the chance to talk, he could give me advice, and vice versa,” he concluded.