Bilbao chairman: People think players should sign for big clubs, but there is a unique sense of belonging here

This summer, Athletic Bilbao player Nico has been linked with Barcelona, ​​but in the end Nico stayed. Athletic Bilbao president Uriarte talked about this matter in an interview.

Uriarte said: "We have turned the page and this chapter is over. Nico has made it clear through actions and words that he wants to stay here, which is very important to us. His contract is signed until 2027, and keeping him is crucial for us to set ambitious goals. At the club, we must work hard to make the plan attractive to our players and allow Nico to develop his entire career with us."

"An atmosphere of uncertainty permeates the air, because there seems to be an unwritten rule that players should sign for teams that are known as big clubs. Athletic Bilbao's plans are still evolving, and there are many players here. There is a unique and distinctive sense of belonging, and the ambition is growing. For those who despise our sense of belonging, I want to remind them that Athletic Bilbao is a great club because of its honor record, youth training system, stadium and its uniqueness in the world. ”

Regarding the fact that Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona executives did not have a traditional pre-match dinner, Uriarte said: "It is true that there was no board dinner, but there was none in the first three games. In this regard, everything is very normal and the atmosphere is very peaceful."

After the match between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao, Barcelona coach Flick hugged Nico, and Flick said it was to congratulate Nico on winning the European Cup. Uriarte said: "All summer, Flick's remarks were normal and respectful, but this hug did surprise me. He explained that he was congratulating Nico on his victory in the European Cup, so I guess he would do the same to Dani Vivian... although I didn't see him do it."