Nico Williams Seeks World Cup Redemption After Injury-Hit Season

Athletic Club forward Nico Williams is eager to make his mark at the upcoming World Cup, seeking to rebound after a season hampered by injuries that prevented him from fully contributing to his team. He expressed this ambition ahead of joining the Spanish national team's training camp.

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I want to vindicate myself at the World Cup.

"I want to vindicate myself at the World Cup," Williams stated during an event in Bilbao. The winger revealed he is recovering well from a muscle injury sustained three weeks ago, which caused him to miss the final stretch of the season with Athletic. He is hopeful about being ready for Spain's World Cup debut against Cape Verde on June 15 in Atlanta.

Williams detailed his recovery process, noting that he is progressing daily and weekly. He plans to be evaluated by the national team's medical staff to determine his availability for the first match. "I'm taking it step by step and I'm much better. We'll see when the national team doctors see me. I'll try to be back as soon as possible, we'll see if it can be for the first game," he explained.

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I'm taking it step by step and I'm much better. We'll see when the national team doctors see me. I'll try to be back as soon as possible, we'll see if it can be for the first game.

Reflecting on the Spanish squad, Williams described it as a "great team" and downplayed the favorite status often assigned to them. He emphasized the team's clear game plan and the quality of their coach, Luis de la Fuente. "We know what we play and what we want to do. We have a fantastic coach and I believe the football we showed in the Euros will be seen again at the World Cup. We like to take things calmly. People can say what they want, but we always remain humble," he said.

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We know what we play and what we want to do. We have a fantastic coach and I believe the football we showed in the Euros will be seen again at the World Cup. We like to take things calmly. People can say what they want, but we always remain humble.

Williams also acknowledged the frustration of Athletic fans due to his absence in crucial matches. He apologized for not being able to play in key games throughout the season due to pubalgia and expressed hope for a better upcoming season. He also conveyed his excitement about potentially working with new Athletic coach Edin Terzic.

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I'm the first one who hurts from not being in the key games of the season, but the fans have always shown me their affection. For me it has been a bitch not being able to play these games, neither now nor throughout the season due to pubalgia, and I also want to apologize for that situation. I hope next season goes better.