Nico Williams explains why he snubbed Barcelona transfer to sign new 10-year contract at Athletic Club

After missing out on securing a transfer for Williams last summer, Barcelona had once again emerged as favourites to sign the Spanish winger in the current transfer window, but the 23-year-old eventually decided to stay at his boyhood club. The failure to sign Williams has been deemed a massive humiliation for the La Liga champions.

Williams has now explained why he decided to stay in Bilbao after reportedly agreeing personal terms with Barca. He also outlined the targets he wants to achieve with Athletic Club in the 2025-26 campaign.

Williams said, via ESPN: "I think we have a very long season ahead of us. We have very ambitious titles like the Champions League, which everyone would like to play in. What could be better than doing it with the club of my life? I would like to continue making history here at San Mames, with the fans, with my family, and with a lot of enthusiasm."

Williams added on continuing to play alongside his brother Inaki, who has been confirmed as Athletic Club's new captain: "We've both always dreamed of this moment. My brother is a role model for everyone, especially for me. I think he's the best person to be captain, and I can't wait to see him wearing the armband for a long time."

Athletic Club, coached by former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde, began their pre-season training campaign last week and are set to play their first friendly against lower division Spanish side Ponferradina on July 19.