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Ernesto Valverde hopes that Nico Williams will remain in Athletic Bilbao for many years “in the midst of speculation about the future of the Spanish star because she enjoys another great season.
Williams played a crucial role to put Atletic on the Champions League qualifying course and two games away from the Europa League final at their Home Stadium San Mamés.
The 22-year-old wing player, who scored a final victory in the Spanish Euro 2024 last year, has 11 goals and seven assists in his name this season.
He is allegedly attracted to occupation like Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea. However, Valverde is understandably no desire to lose it.
“Nico is a very important player for us, it’s true,” Valverde said.
“Having the season he had and won euros with Spain, he had a big impact on him. There was speculation (last summer), but hopefully he has been in athletics for many years.
“We hope to be with us next season because we want, of course, the best players.”
Speaking at a press conference on the eve of the first part of the Europa League semi -finals with Manchester United in San Mamés, Valverde rejected the proposals that they were athletic favorites.
Athletic is the fourth in Laliga and in a great position to request one of the five qualifications in Laliga. United, in contrast, endures the worst season of its Premier League history, sitting 14th with four games.
United needed an epic additional return to knock out Lyon in the quarterfinals to retain hope in winning the competition and qualified for the Champions League as a result, but Valverde remains careful of the threat represented by men Ruben Amorim.
“We have to keep in mind that we play Manchester United, one of the biggest teams in Europe,” he added.
“They are able to win the Europa League in a minute. I don’t know who’s favorite.
“Manchester United is in a position on a ladder that is unexpected. The reward is so big that all teams have additional motivation. We have the opportunity to play the finals here in our stadium and that is a reinforcement.”
Williams expressed similar feelings to his coach, saying, “United always has very good players.
“And no matter what is happening in the premiere, I think they have proven that in the Europa League they are very good in the Europe league.
“I think they have very good players and have a very good technical style, they have a very good coach. We will do our best and hope that we will win and hope that everything is going well.”
Asked about speculation around him, Williams insisted that he focused only on the task of defeating United.
“I don’t want to look beyond that,” Williams said. “I’ve always wanted to play in European competition and feel important. I’m super happy here.”
