‘I can’t lie…’ – Nico Williams on Barcelona fans whistling & booing him | OneFootball

Athletic Club star Nico Williams has on Monday provided his take on the frosty reception afforded to him on the part of Barcelona’s supporters earlier this season.

Nico, for his part, made the trip to Catalunya’s capital on matchday 2 of the new La Liga season, for a showdown with Hansi Flick’s new-look Blaugrana.

When all was said and done, it was the hosts who emerged on the right side of the result, by two goals to one.

Athletic’s star winger, meanwhile, struggled to make an impact, limited to fleeting moments of significance in the final third.

As much came amid what was a surprisingly harsh reception for Nico at Montjuïc.

After his summer-long transfer saga with Barcelona ultimately culminated in the 22-year-old staying put in the Basque Country, Nico was targeted with boos, jeers and whistles on every occasion he touched the ball.

Speaking in an interview with El Mundo, as cited by Mundo Deportivo, this week, the Euro 2024 winner was therefore drawn on his rough treatment in Catalunya back in August.

And Nico went on to admit:

“I was surprised, I’m not going to lie to you.

“When you go to a rival’s field, it’s normal for people to whistle at you, but this time it was personal. It’s not a big deal, I think that’s also fun, as long as it’s not insulting. Being whistled at is the essence of football and I take it pretty well.”

Conor Laird – GSFN