BILBAO: Athletic Bilbao captain Inaki Williams insists his team is not afraid ahead of their Champions League opener against Premier League giants Arsenal early Wednesday morning.
The club, which is known for using only locally-born players, is returning to the European elite stage for the first time since 2014, and only the third time in the club’s history.
Williams, the Ghana international, described the opportunity to play in the most prestigious tournament as a dream that has finally come true.
“Many of us can’t wait to make our Champions League debut. We’ve been fighting for this moment for years and now we want to continue to achieve our dream,” he told a press conference.
“We’re not afraid of anyone, it’s definitely going to be an interesting match.”
However, Bilbao will be without their younger brother, Nico Williams, who suffered a groin injury and will miss the chance to face Mikel Arteta’s squad, which reached the semi-finals last season.
“I hope to make my debut with a win, I’m just a little disappointed that I can’t do it with Nico,” said Williams, who missed out on the 2014 Champions League when he was still at the beginning of his career.
Meanwhile, Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde praised Arteta’s greatness in successfully shaping Arsenal with its own identity.
“He is one of the best coaches in the world and proved his ability with Arsenal. They have great players, they press the opponent in every fight for the ball, they don’t let you play,” he said.
Arsenal are expected to be without injured captain Martin Odegaard, but they still have a strong midfield with the trio of former Real Sociedad players Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and Odegaard, who are quite familiar with Bilbao’s playing style.
“They started the season very well and have the quality to keep the momentum going. They know us, and that’s an advantage, but we also know them. It’s an extra motivation for us,” Valverde added.