Barcelona summer target admits being ‘surprised’ by fan treatment at Montjuic

Despite intense speculations all through the summer, Nico Williams did not sign for FC Barcelona and stayed put at Athletic Club.

The Spanish forward had been the Blaugrana’s priority target throughout the transfer window but lack of assurance over registration as well as his strong ties to the Basque club meant that a move did not materialise.

Just two weeks into the season, Williams came face-to-face with Barcelona, when Athletic Club played at Montjuic, and the young winger was at the receiving end of boos and whistles from the Blaugrana fans.

Nico admits boos surprised him

Now, speaking in an interview with El Mundo (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Nico Williams admitted that he was left astonished by the treatment meted out to him by the Barcelona fans but was not bothered by it much.

“It surprised me, I’m not going to lie,” he admitted.

Williams added that he did not give it “much importance”, while stating that it is a normal occurrence in football at away stadiums, saying:

“When you go to an away field, it’s common to be whistled at, but this time it was personal. It’s not a big deal, I think it’s also fun, as long as there are no insults. Being whistled at is the essence of football, and I handle it quite well.”

On the transfer rumours

As mentioned earlier, Nico was linked heavily with a move to Barcelona all through the summer while other clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea also held an interest.

Reflecting on all the speculations and his final decision to stay with Athletic Club, the 22-year-old said:

“In the end, you have to live with this. Football works like this, with many interests from clubs, media, players… There’s always noise.

“I continue doing the same work I’ve done until now. There have been tough moments. You stop to think about many scenarios, and it’s difficult, but I have an incredible family and friends who support me.

“I want to think that this won’t happen to me every summer.”