Athletic Club are feeling excited ahead their long-awaited return to the UEFA Champions League, marking their first appearance in the competition since the 2014/15 season. The Basque giants open their ucl season against Arsenal in what promises to be an exciting encounter at San Mamés, Softfootball reports.
The build-up to this fascinating encounter has been boosted by the emotional return of boyhood defender Aymeric Laporte, who rejoined the club on a free transfer after FIFA approved the move despite earlier registration challenges. Softfootball understands that his arrival is seen as a major morale boost to the team, with fans and players alike coming together with the idea of this being the start of a new European chapter for the Lions.
Ahead of the clash, all eyes are on Iñaki Williams, one of the pillars of this Athletic side, who addressed the media via the team’s official website before the showdown.
The striker acknowledged both the excitement of being back on Europe’s biggest stage and the daunting challenge that comes with facing Arsenal, a side currently playing beautiful football in England. he said;
This is a dream come true. We want it to last as long as possible
Iñaki Williams reiterated that Athletic Club’s return to Champions League football is a “dream come true” and the entire squad is determined to make the most of it.
For years we have fought to be where we are,
Tomorrow we are going to fight to keep the dream alive for as long as possible.
We are playing against a great team, one that shows no mercy. We have to make the most of the chances we get.
At San Mamés, we always have our moment, and the key will be to make the most of it. We will try to stifle them in their own half, break up their play in midfield and finish off moves quickly, with the support of our fans.
On a personal level, the striker acknowledged how excited he is to play his first Champions League match.he said;
Apart from Laporte and Yuri, no one else in the team has played in this competition before. For me, it’s a dream come true and I want to help the team with hard work and goals.
I haven’t scored yet [this season], but I think it’s good to have chances because it brings you closer to scoring. Hopefully I can score on Tuesday and the Athletic fans can go home happy.
Meanwhile, Atlhetic Club via the team’s official X handle, posted Aymeric Laporte greeting the fans,on his return to his boyhood club after the game against, watch below;
Regarding the team’s ambition in the competition, Iñaki stated:
“We have no fear. We aspire to go as far as possible. We know it is difficult, but we like to ‘go under the radar’ and hopefully that motto will take us far.”
Lastly, Williams wanted to send a message to the fans ahead of the encounter, he said;
In difficult times, stick with us, because we’re going to give it our all. We’re a united team, tough for our opponents, and I’m convinced we can achieve great things in the Champions League.
However, Arsenal travel to Bilbao, in a superb form after beating Nottingham Forest 3-0 last weekend. Even though they’ll be without Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Ødegaard, Mikel Arteta’s side still look very confident and dangerous.
Athletic may have the passion of San Mamés and the morale surrounding the return of Laporte’s to their side, but the Gunners arrive as favorites, and Williams knows his team must be at their very best to keep the dream alive.
