It has been a crazy 12 months for Nico Williams. He played a significant role in Athletic Club finishing fifth in La Liga, while also being part of the squad that won Los Leones’ first Copa del Rey title in 40 years. In recent weeks, he’s been a major player for Spain at Euro 2024, and this has seen his stock rise exponentially.

Williams recently spoke to Diario AS on the last 12 months of his life, and specifically, the effect that his strong performances in Germany have had, and could have, on him.

“Maybe I will be recognised in places I thought I wouldn’t be. It is true that life changes. I’ve always said that I’ve played these games at Athletic and they haven’t been seen because we haven’t played in European competitions.

“This year we have gotten involved. I have taken advantage of the opportunity I had, to fulfil one more dream, to make myself known. To be able to be or try to be one of the best players in my position. That’s what I try to do every day and what I have to do is continue in this vein. I’m doing well and I have to continue like this.”

Williams also spoke on the support he has received from family, including brother Inaki, who is also his teammate at Athletic. He also spoke briefly about the interest being shown in him, notably from Barcelona.

“In the end, my brother is a very important person for me. He has experienced a similar situation to mine. He has also had offers outside Athletic, but I said that I did not want to know anything about what comes from outside, about signings or stories. They know what I’m like, the personality I have; I don’t like to know because I’m easily distracted. I’d rather be focused on one thing and go for it. Because if one thing or another comes to me, in the end my head doesn’t work very well. My agent, my parents and my family know me perfectly and they know that I don’t want to hear anything until the European Championship is over.”

Williams has been one of the best players to watch at Euro 2024, and he could be a difference maker when Spain face hosts Germany on Friday evening. His battle with Joshua Kimmich, who has struggled against tricky wingers of late, will be a very tasty one.

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