Athletic Club president clarifies Nico Williams’ conversation with Hansi Flick: “I was surprised…”

Barcelona’s start to the new season saw the club face three of their trickiest domestic rivals in the first three match-days. Of them, the game against Athletic Club was perhaps the most challenging.

Taking on the Basque side last month, the Blaugrana took home all three points courtesy of a Robert Lewandowski winner. The highlight of the game, however, was Athletic Club star Nico Williams taking on the club he was closely linked with over a transfer.

While Nico opted to stay with the Basque team despite Barcelona’s incessant attempts to sign him, he was seen exchanging words with Hansi Flick after the game and even sharing a short embrace in a moment that sparked wide speculation.

Athletic Club President Speaks

Speaking to the media about the incident, Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte was quizzed on Hansi Flick’s moment of conversation with Nico and whether it meant anything.

Nico Williams was seen talking to Hansi Flick. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

The club official admitted that initially he was bothered by the move and added how the manager’s clarification provided better perspective.

“During the summer, Flick’s statements were of total respect saying that he was a player of another club. I was surprised to see him congratulating him.”

“But then he explained that he did it for his triumph in the European Championship. I guess I would do the same with Vivian, but I didn’t think I saw it,” he added, as revealed by Mundo Deportivo.

Despite the hype around his signing, the Euro 2024 winner did not enjoy a great night against the Catalans as he recorded no shots on target, completed none of his crosses and was dispossessed a staggering 18 times.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have started their campaign in some style and have shown no indication of missing a winger. The Barcelona boat for Nico, thus, may never arrive again.