Nico Williams has said his senior brother, Inaki Williams, is happy and proud of him for earning a call-up to the Spanish national team.
Last week, Nico earned his debut invitation to the Spanish national team ahead of their UEFA Nations League games against Switzerland and Portugal.
The 20-year-old has been in great form for Athletic Bilbao, where he has scored two goals and assisted two more in six La Liga matches this season.
His form has caught the eyes of La Roja coach Luis Enrique, who has now included him in his squad for the Nations League games.
Nico told Spanish tabloid Marca that his Spain invite made his mother and senior brother happy and proud.
“I’m a regular in the U21s, but I didn’t expect the call from Luis Enrique. I started screaming in the living room at home and my mother hugged me and started crying,” he said.
“Even my brother (Iñaki Williams) stayed a while. He didn’t expect it either. He’s very happy for me, very proud. He told me that I have to work and keep my feet on the ground.”
Nico’s Spain call-up coincides with that of Inaki, who recently switched national from Spain to Ghana and has also been invited for the Black Stars’ upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Nicaragua.
Meanwhile, Spain boss Enrique says his decision to hand Nico a call-up is not a ploy to prevent the youngster from playing for Ghana.
“I’m not doing this to stop him from going with Ghana; he’s young and a very interesting player,” Enrique is quoted as saying by The Guardian.
“He’s playing more often with Athletic now. He’s progressing wonderfully. I like him enormously. We’ve had him in the junior squad and have been following him for a long time.
“I reckon the family will be delighted: imagine the party if they both go to the World Cup. And they reach the final, well, that would be the absolute business.”
Nico is in line to make his Spain debut against Switzerland on Saturday, September 24, 2022.
