"There were many lies, Barcelona ran a damaging media campaign" - Iñaki Williams speaks on brother's failed transfer

Nico Williams' move to Barcelona failed to materialise after reports claimed that the winger had agreed to join the La Liga champions.

The Spanish international went on to renew his contract with Athletic Bilbao, which will keep him at the club until 2030.

"It's been a bit complicated for our family. There's been a lot of talk about my brother, and much of it has been untrue. Nico has chosen to remain silent throughout. Everyone has the right to consider their future.

"People weren't always honest with him this summer. Sometimes it takes a while to make a decision, like choosing from a menu in a restaurant. My brother's decision wasn't easy."

"We all know how the football world works, and the pressure Barcelona tried to exert on Athletic fans and my brother. They launched a media campaign, presumably thinking it would benefit them. They muddied the waters considerably.

"At Athletic, when we pursue a player, we do it discreetly. All the external noise was damaging and created unnecessary confusion. A lot of what was leaked to the media or circulated on social media simply wasn't true," Iñaki Williams began, as reported by Sportal.

“Nico had options; many teams were bidding for him. He's a top-level player with a very attainable release clause. He was a target for big clubs. It wasn't easy for him with all the external pressure and speculation, but he made the best decision.

"He was clear about what he wanted, but there were protracted contract negotiations. Things happened that caused a lot of harm, like the vandalism of the mural and the damage to his car…”

“He made his decision with his heart and ambition. He chose to stay with us, build his legacy here, just like Julen Guerrero did, and be a role model for those coming up through the ranks. People at Athletic need to understand that life-altering decisions aren't easy to make quickly. The decision was his; there was no pressure from me."

"Nico's maturity is incredible. He had a wide range of options, and he chose Athletic, a club making huge strides. We have one of the best squads we’ve had in the 12 years I've been with the first team," Iñaki continued.

Iñaki also spoke about the significance of being the club's first Black captain. "It means a lot. It seems like a coincidence that my parents raised me in Bilbao...but it’s destiny. We're fortunate to represent so many people who come from abroad to make a living, and it’s important to be a positive example, both in the Basque Country and in Spain.

"We come from humble beginnings, and it’s good for everyone to talk openly. The far-right is gaining traction, and those of us with a voice will try to drown them out and break down barriers."