Athletic Star Nico Williams: I Rejected Barcelona, Arsenal, PSG and Many Others to Stay Here

Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams has cleared the air following the social media stir he caused earlier this month. The winger insisted that he accidentally reposted a fan's message claiming the Spain international should have left San Mamés due to ungrateful supporters.

"Everyone knows me, and the person next to me (the club's press officer - ed.) knows how absent-minded I can be. I opened Twitter and accidentally shared the post before taking an afternoon nap. When I woke up, my brother (Iñaki Williams - ed.) called and asked, 'Don't you see what's going on?' My social media managers called me too. You can imagine, I was freaking out. I go for a siesta and wake up to complete chaos. But that's just how it is. I'm easily distracted like anyone else. I'm not perfect, but I don't let myself get dragged into provocations. I'm smart enough to know that's exactly what people look for on social media. I stand by what I say. The fans here support me and show me plenty of love, and I couldn't ask for more," Williams explained in his press conference following the 4-0 victory over Getafe.

He also confirmed that he turned down several European giants to remain at Athletic. "I am right where I want to be. I never had any doubts about staying here. I had countless offers and could have easily left, but I made it clear that I wanted to stay. I rejected Barça, Arsenal, PSG, and many others to remain here. My commitment to Athletic shouldn't be questioned," the 24-year-old added.