"I was surprised to be whistled at Montjuic"

Nico Williams was one of the hot topics of the summer. Whether it was the sporting aspect of winning the European Championship with Spain or his potential move to Barcelona. In the end, negotiations with Athletic fell through and he promised at least one more year in Bilbao.

With a week to go until the transfer window closed, it was already known that he would stay at San Mames and in the second La Liga matchday he faced Hansi Flick's side. A section of the Cule fans whistled him for his refusal to sign for the Catalan side. This reaction from the fans came as a surprise to him. He admitted as much in an interview that ‘El Mundo’ published on Sunday night.

"I was surprised, I'm not going to lie to you. But well, I didn't give it much importance because, when you go to a rival's ground, it's usual to get whistled at. The thing is that, this time, it was personal. It's OK, I think that's fun too, as long as it's not an insult. Being whistled at is the essence of football and I deal with it quite well," said the player.

"In the end, you have to live with it. Football works like that, with a lot of interests from the clubs, the media, the players... and there is always noise. It's neither bad nor good, it's what it is and it doesn't affect my performance. I'm still doing the same job I've done up to now".

"On a personal level, it's also been a tough time when you stop and think about a lot of scenarios and it's difficult, but I have an incredible family and friends who support me. I'd like to think this isn't going to happen to me every summer," he added.

On not having guaranteed his continuity beyond one season, he said: "I'm not thinking about that now. The fans are very happy that I'm staying here and I'm very happy to be here. Bilbao is my home, I want to continue enjoying it and the truth is that I am very happy".

"I have always been very clear about things and I think people see that. I think I'm doing really well and I'm trying to take Athletic to the top in Spain and in Europe with that final in San Mames that we are so excited about. That's the only thing that matters now".