Nico Williams has revealed it took him some time to adjust to his growing fame, but he’s gladly accepted it.
Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams, 22, has revealed it will take him some time to adapt to greater international fame after leading Spain to Euro 2024 glory and, as a result, he has had to make changes to his lifestyle, El Mundo reported on Monday.
‘Before the Euros, people in Spain knew me, but now it’s a global thing. When we went to Italy to play Roma in the Europa League, I thought people wouldn’t know me there, but suddenly when I arrived there were a lot of people waiting to greet me, saying my name or asking to take a picture with me. That impressed me. It’s a little bit different to the life I had before, but I accept it with great pleasure,’ said Nico.
The Spain international also feels a distinct difference both inside and outside Bilbao, where he spent his playing career.
‘In Bilbao, people respect you a lot. In this city, playing for Athletic is a privilege and everyone treats you very well. Everything is appreciate and they don’t make you feel uncomfortable. But in other places, things are more complicated.’
‘I always like to go to Madrid with friends or family and I can go shopping like everyone else without being notice. But the last two or three times I stop going to Gran Via because everyone wanted to take pictures, it was so crowd and you could barely walk.’
‘The last time I went to buy a hat at Birchka with my friends, and suddenly a lot of people surrounded me. I didn’t understand why. Now I understand that my level of fame has changed, and there are some things that shouldn’t have been done. But anyway, it was great, and I enjoyed the experience. How can you not like people loving you so much?’
Williams was linked with a move to Barcelona over the summer, with Blaugrana president Joan Laporta claiming they were prepared to pay his €58m release clause, but a move never materialised and Nico is no longer thinking about it.
‘I don’t think about that now. The fans are very happy that I’m here and I’m very happy to be here. Bilbao is my home, I want to continue to enjoy it here and the truth is that I’m very happy. I’ve always had a clear idea and I think everyone sees that too.’
‘I think I did really well and I’m trying to take Athletic to the top in Spain and Europe with a final in San Mames that excites us a lot. That’s the only thing สมัคร ufabet that matters now.’