La Liga winger reveals why he rejected Barcelona last summer: ‘Guided by my heart’ | OneFootball

Barcelona hosted their first-ever game back at the renovated Spotify Camp Nou last weekend against Athletic Club, and the game was a memorable one as they went on to win by a four-goal margin.

The stands on the night, however, notably spent large stretches of the game booing a certain opposition player, even more than they celebrated the reopening of the venue after over two years.

The player in question was none other than Nico Williams, and the hard feelings towards the player were warranted, given how he was close to a move in the summer but eventually rejected Barcelona to sign a new contract with Athletic Club.

Williams speaks about Barcelona

The Athletic Club star recently spoke to SPORT about his failed move to Barcelona last summer and why he called off the operation at the last minute.

“I have always put what I feel first, and I have been guided by my heart. I am very familiar with my people, and here in Bilbao I have my family with whom I consult every step I take in my life,” he began, elaborating on his preference for comfort.

Nico snubbed Barcelona in the summer. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

“I like to listen to my brother, he always has good advice for me, and now being able to enjoy playing the Champions League together is a dream,” he added on what the family institution meant to him.

The player also spoke about Barcelona star and his close friend Lamine Yamal and the quality the teenager had.

“He has an incredible talent, and he shows it every day, but he knows that I am his father,” he said playfully.

Williams then defended Yamal’s lifestyle, which has been deeply scrutinised by the media since his rise to stardom.

“Everyone lives their life as they want, but I think the important thing is to be professional and always give the maximum when you play.”

“Outside the field, we also need to disconnect and enjoy, like anyone. As long as there is respect and commitment, I don’t see a problem with that,” he added.