Ghana international Inaki Williams says Athletic Bilbao have no fear of facing any opponent as they prepare for their highly anticipated UEFA Champions League clash against Arsenal.
The Basque club are back in Europe’s elite competition for the first time in years, following an outstanding La Liga campaign last season. Their return begins with a tough trip to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, where both sides will battle for maximum points in their opening Group Stage fixture.
Williams, who was recently named captain of Athletic Bilbao, expressed confidence and determination ahead of the encounter, insisting the team is ready to embrace the challenge.
“We have struggled for many years to reach this day, and we want our dream to grow,” Williams said.
“We are not afraid of any team. It will be a really great match.”
Aside from Arsenal, Athletic face a demanding group that includes Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Atalanta, Newcastle United, Slavia Praha, Qarabag, and Sporting CP—a blend of European heavyweights and tricky challengers.
For Williams, now 31, the Champions League debut marks the realisation of a lifelong ambition to represent his boyhood club on the grandest stage of European football. Known for his consistency and loyalty, the forward is eager to leave a mark on the competition.
However, Bilbao will be without Williams’ younger brother Nico Williams, who is ruled out of the Arsenal clash with a thigh injury.
