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Nico Williams is not going to Barcelona. |
On the morning of July 4, when the news that Nico Williams had officially extended his contract with Athletic Club until 2025 was confirmed, the whole of Barcelona seemed to stop for a few seconds. The most anticipated name in the summer transfer window - the one who seemed very close to Camp Nou - turned around at the last minute.
Once again, Barca experienced disappointment. But what is worth mentioning is not the failed contract, but the way the club reacted: calm, intelligent and full of courage.
No name needed, just loyalty
Raphinha – who was captain last season and is one of the club’s new icons – wasted no time in sending a clear message, posting two photos to his Instagram story: one of him pointing at the club badge on his shirt, the other of him marching in celebration of the domestic treble.
No words were written, but everyone understood: for Raphinha, the pride of wearing the blue-red shirt was greater than any contract.
It should be remembered that Raphinha had previously expressed his displeasure when he saw a fan print the name “Nico Williams” and the number 11 – the number he was wearing – on a Barca shirt. It was not jealousy, but a reminder: here, no one is allowed to wear the shirt if they have not played for this club.
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Barca have long been pursuing Nico Williams. |
Barcelona did not make an official statement or hold a press conference. Instead, the club’s Catalan Twitter account quietly posted a photo of mannequins wearing the new jerseys at the Camp Nou store, with the caption: “Blaugranes are the colors” – a chant that is familiar to every Catalan fan.
Not stopping there, the club's Instagram and Twitter continued to release images of the Barca badge with the slogan: "Barcelona is our life". A response that could not be sharper - both indigenous and showing a decisive attitude: Barca is not governed by those who choose to leave or not come. For Barca, identity is always the ultimate value.
Dani Olmo - a testament to faith and patience
If there is one person who can explain why choosing Barca is a journey of faith, it is Dani Olmo. The Catalan had a lot of trouble registering for the team last season. He waited, believed, and was finally rewarded.
Immediately after the Nico deal fell through, Olmo posted a story with his hand on the club badge, along with a blue and red heart symbol. No need for many words, just one image is enough to show his affection for Barca. A few days before, Olmo had given Nico some sincere advice: “Be patient, everything will be resolved.”
Nico didn't wait, and Olmo stayed - with loyalty worth more than a splashy transfer.
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President Joan Laporta is silent, refusing to answer the press in the Nico Williams case. |
Meanwhile, President Joan Laporta has been silent, refusing to speak to the press. But that silence is not avoidance. It is the choice of a club that knows its worth. No one at Camp Nou appears frantic or frustrated. Everything is handled with composure - and social media does the rest.
Meanwhile, two former Barca leaders chose to respond more directly. Toni Freixa - a former member of the board - said: "If this incident helps the club learn a lesson about keeping transfer information secret, then it is a success. Professionally, we do not need this type of player."
Alfons Godall - former vice president - frankly reiterated Johan Cruyff's philosophy: "If you are hesitant, don't come." And he concluded: "Barca is above all."
Barça dreamed of Nico, hoped for a more dynamic and fast-paced attack. But when the player’s choice was not at Camp Nou, the team did not cry or beg. They returned to what had made them so successful for decades: pride, identity and faith in the people who remained.
No Nico Williams? No problem. Barcelona still has Raphinha, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Lamine Yamal - players who love this shirt more than the limelight. And for them, Barca will always be "more than a club".
Source: https://znews.vn/khong-nico-van-la-barcelona-post1566181.html
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