Athletic Club captain Inaki Williams says he will retire with the Basque club and “doesn’t want to wear any jersey other than Athletic Club’s”.
The 32-year-old forward has made 515 official appearances for Athletic Club, leaving him fifth on the club’s all-time list of appearances in the red and white shirt.
Williams extended his contract in 2019 until 2028, with two seasons remaining on his current deal. Although he did not discuss what he intends to do two years from now, he was unequivocal about his plans once that contract expires.
“I will retire here. I don’t want to wear any jersey other than Athletic Club’s,” he told RNE in an interview reported by Marca.
The Ghana international has not fixed a date for his retirement, but he has ruled out playing for another club. Williams and Athletic Club will eventually need to discuss his future, with a new contract potentially an option, although that is not his priority at present.
He recently withdrew from the Ghana national team after representing them at two World Cups. His focus is now entirely on Athletic Club, which he expects to be the only top-flight club he represents. Playing elsewhere, he said, was “unimaginable”.
“I am very proud to be a part of this. When the club believes I am no longer an important member of the team, I will step aside voluntarily,” Williams said.
‘I will take my son to San Mames’
Williams was present for the farewell of close friend De Marcos, who has since joined Athletic Club’s coaching staff. De Marcos, who comes from Laguardia, could provide a model for how Williams sees his own departure from playing.
Former Athletic Club players Balenziaga and Muniain also said during their farewells that they would continue supporting the team as fans after leaving the pitch.
Williams has similar ambitions for life after football. “I will take my son to San Mames and watch new legends grow,” he said.
For now, his attention remains on helping Athletic Club improve its position in La Liga and progress in the Copa del Rey this season.
Williams also has an influential role in the dressing room, using his experience to advise his team-mates, including his younger brother Nico.
Discussing social media, he said: “Social media is the garbage dump of society. Anyone can go in and post whatever they want, and things just spiral from there.”
Williams has deliberately avoided online arguments and has encouraged younger players to do the same. He acknowledged that Nico has made “many mistakes” on social media and said that, as both his brother and captain, he tries to guide him.
“I always tell him that if social media keeps you awake at night, then get off social media, and life will be much easier,” Williams added.
