Athletic Bilbao president Jon Uriarte took a gentle dig at FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick.
After successfully fending off Barca’s attempts to sign his star player over the summer, Uriarte commented on Flick’s embrace of Williams after Athletic’s defeat last week.
Bilbao was able to convince Williams
“Throughout the summer, Flick’s statements have been normal and respectful, but I was surprised by this hug,” the Basque club’s strongman said on Sunday. “He explained that he had congratulated him on his triumph at the Euro, so I suppose he also congratulated Vivian… although I don’t think I saw it…”
Uriarte went on to say that he was very happy to have managed to keep Williams within his team: “We have turned the page and the chapter is over. Nico has made it clear, through his words and actions, that he wants to stay here and for us, that is very important.”
“He has a contract until 2027. It is essential to keep him to set ourselves ambitious goals. At the club, we must work to make the project attractive for our players and so that Nico can develop his entire career with us,” he added.
