Athletic Membership winger Nico Williams has confessed he rejected “many affords” this summer time in favour of remaining together with his boyhood membership.

The 22-year-old was a goal for the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona even earlier than his dazzling Euro 2024 marketing campaign, which made his £49m launch clause really feel like one of many greatest potential bargains of the summer time.

Williams, nonetheless, rejected all of the affords to commit to 1 extra yr with Athletic, though he left the door open to a switch away from Bilbao on the finish of the present season.

“My coronary heart is with Athletic, however no one is aware of what is going to occur sooner or later,” he stated. “I’ve had many affords this yr on the desk, however I’ve determined to remain for an additional yr.

“I am 22 years outdated. I am very completely happy. I’ve been right here since I used to be 11 and my household is right here, Athletic all the time has extra weight and I’ve proven that. It’s the greatest place to develop.

“It’s all the time good when huge groups have you ever on their agenda. I’ve all the time been clear that I needed to be at Athletic – a sense that’s not skilled at different golf equipment. There have been approaches from different golf equipment, [but I want] to play in Europe with Athletic and attempt to win the title.”

Requested whether or not he might signal a brand new contract to take away his launch clause, Williams stated: “These issues are dealt with by my agent.”

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