Inside Athletic

Inaki Williams made the front page of papers last year when he had the opportunity to join Liverpool, but turned down the offer in favor is signing a new contract with Athletic Club. Since then, more big clubs have turned their eye to the 22-year-old including Borussia Dortmund and Juventus. During an interview on Monday, Inaki slammed the door shut on a possible move away from his boyhood club.

“I am calm about rumors, my representatives handle all that. I have great pride in being here and being a part of this big club. I am honored to come here every day and be with my teammates and coaches. I have no intentions of leaving. The best have to play here and I have them by my side. A change of scenery is always difficult, I think everyone is happy at Athletic. Again, I am calm and very comfortable here. I have no intentions of going anywhere. I am at the biggest club and interest from others only flatters me. I want to be here for many years, hopefully for my career. I have always said that this is where I want to be.”

The winger was then asked about his continued improvement, to which he pointed to Aritz Aduriz as his reference point.

“I always try to take advantage of my strengths and my teammates make me a better player. I still have a lot to improve on. Aduriz is my teacher, my reference, and I try to learn as much as I can from watching him. It is different with me up front instead of Aduriz, but the team always works hard. Most of us have been with each other since the academy and the Mister gives us continuity.”

In closing, Inaki looked ahead to the upcoming game against Las Palmas and lamented the possible exit of Ernesto Valverde.

“Las Palmas is not at their best, but they are coming off of a win. We have to be strong at home. Finishing 5th is difficult, but our goal is to qualify for Europe again. Personally, it would grieve me if Valverde leaves. We all want him to stay. He’s one of the best coaches in the world and no one here is even thinking about who the will be the manager next year. Right now we have seven games left and we need to be at our best.”

Inaki Williams and Athletic Club host Las Palmas at the San Mames on Friday. The Lions have only lost two games at home all year and will be looking to continue that run. They currently find themselves four point off of 5th place, but there is a very tight battle going on for 6th place in the La Liga table.