Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams has pledged to a lifetime fight against racism in Spain following multiple incidents of racist abuse against black players, Afrosport reports.
The 22-year-old forward was the recipient of racist abuse during a La Liga match against Atletico Madrid last season, forcing the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to order a partial closure of Atletico’s south stand for two matches.
Clubs and players have spoken against the rising racism concerns in Spain with Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr. saying in September that Spain should be stripped of its 2030 World Cup hosting duties unless significant progress is made in addressing the issue of racism in the country.
“My brother, Inaki Williams and I, as black people, have an important task in this life, which is the fight against racism,” Williams said in an interview with El Mundo.
“It’s my number one goal. As a public figure, in order to contribute to that fight, I cannot be sidetracked or become a freak and not have my feet on the ground.”
🔴⚪️ Nico Williams: “I’m not thinking about my future now. I’m so happy to be at Athletic, fans are happy too”.
“Bilbao is my home, I’m really happy… and I want to enjoy here, I want to bring Athletic at the best level. The dream is that EL final at San Mamés”, told @elmundoes. pic.twitter.com/jvydlx8Rlc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 14, 2024
Williams, who played a vital role in Spain’s victory at this year’s European Championship, said he embodies a multicultural Spain, being born in the country to Ghanaian parents.
“It is important to make everyone aware that many people come to Spain to earn their bread, to try to achieve a future that they do not have in their countries and to give a better life to their children,” he added.
“My family did that journey. I am going to try to do everything in my power so that these people (immigrants) can have a better life.”
The rise of racist abuse incidents has sparked anti-racism efforts by the RFEF and La Liga, with the Magistrate’s Court of Valencia making history by issuing the first conviction for racism in June.
