Athletic Bilbao winger, Nico Williams, says they will give their “soul” to beat Manchester United tonight.
The Spanish side will host the Red Devils in the first leg of the Europa League semifinals at the San Mamés with kick-off scheduled at 19:00 GMT.
Speaking ahead of the game, the Spanish international of Ghanaian heritage said the team has been following his brother and team-mate Inaki Williams’ advice during their Europa League run this season.
“From the start we have been keeping a low profile – my brother said it last year, ‘keep it low-key’,” said Williams.
“I understand the excitement of the fans but we need to be 100 percent focused on the game and on our job.
“We will give our souls to reach that final at San Mames.”
Williams further added that it was hard not to get excited about the clash with the Premier League heavyweights, despite the Red Devils’ poor domestic form this season.
“United is a great team with great players, such as Bruno Fernandes,” continued Nico Williams.
“There is a lot of excitement in the dressing room, as well as throughout the city and among the entire Athletic family.”
Athletic have never won a European trophy but have twice lost a Europa League final, including in 2012 when they beat United along the way.
Last year they won the Copa del Rey, ending a 40-year wait for a major trophy, while Williams claimed the Euro 2024 title with Spain, scoring in the final against England.
“It’s in the big games that the great players appear,” added Nico Williams. “I’m looking forward to tomorrow and also to the game at Old Trafford.”
