Former Athletic Club president lashes out at Barcelona – ‘Far from the values they represented’ | OneFootball

At this point, it is clear that Barcelona will go for Athletic Club’s Nico Williams at the beginning of next month and that paying out the release clause is just a formality.

The developments, however, have not been received well in the Basque city and Athletic Club are throwing the kitchen sink to ensure he does not join Hansi Flick’s side.

Their animosity towards the Blaugrana is surprising, but not entirely unexpected when one remembers how they were vehemently against the defending champions when questions were raised over their FFP situation.

The club’s representatives even met with La Liga earlier this week to discuss Barcelona’s pursuit of Williams and offer their staunch opposition to the same.

Former Athletic Club president speaks

Speaking to the media in a recent interaction, former Athletic Club president Aitor Elizegi was asked to give his two cents on the Nico Williams to Barcelona saga and what he made of it.

Unsurprisingly, he had nothing but animosity towards the Catalan club and made his opinion clear that he did not approve of the move of the Basque star to Hansi Flick’s side.

Nico is expected to sign for Barcelona. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

“Barça are very far from the values they represented in their day. If Nico leaves, he goes to an entity that is not admirable.”

“Barcelona is no longer unique. It’s quite far from what we all remember,” he added, not holding back his harsh words for Barcelona.

The former president did not stop there and went on to take a dig at Barcelona’s sporting director Deco as well for openly speaking on Williams and confirming the player’s desire to sign for the Blaugrana.

“If I had to choose a shirt to wear in life, I would rather stay with Oscar de Marcos’ or Iribar’s than Deco’s,” he said.

Finally, he hit out at Williams for being open to the move out of his mother club and towards a new adventure that, in his opinion, is better missed to maintain loyalty.

“Nico arrived here as a child, we have raised him, to tell you that he does not want to be in Athletic, it hurts.”

“We renew our idea from time to time thanks to players like Oscar (De Marcos) or Iker Muniain, who excite the fans. That makes us stronger,” he added.

Source: AS