"We would like Nico to continue his career at Athletic"

Following the closure of the transfer window, the rumours linking Nico Williams with Barcelona have died down. The player himself spoke about it after the defeat against Atletico Madrid and confessed that he had interest from several suitors, but stated that his heart is with the Athletic. The club's president, Jon Uriarte, agrees with him so much that he would renew his contract for life.
"We would like him to continue his whole career at Athletic," he told a press conference on Monday morning. The Basque club's top official spoke to reporters to take stock of Ernesto Valverde's squad until the winter transfer window now that the summer one is over. He also ruled out a bad relationship with the Cules over the interest in Williams.
"We want to avoid controversy. There has been no directors' lunch in the first three games and it has only been commented that it did not take place against Barcelona. We were in the festive season at Bilbao and - it has to be said - there is maximum normality with Barcelona", he said.
Again on his Nico Williams, he said: "He has a contract until 2027 and we are very calm. He has already said that he loves Athletic and wants to stay here. Despite everything that has come out in the media, he has already shown, with deeds and words, what he wants."
"During the transfer window, all clubs are aware of the transfer opportunities and the interest in your players for other clubs. We take it naturally, although it worries you. At Athletic, the players have roots that don't exist anywhere else and the winning project that we are creating helps new players to arrive and those who are there want to continue", he concluded.