Inaki Williams: Athletic Bilbao fear no one ahead of Arsenal clash

Ghana international Inaki Williams insists Athletic Bilbao have no fear of facing any opposition as they prepare to mark their long-awaited return to the UEFA Champions League with a high-profile clash against Arsenal.

The Basque club, back in Europe’s elite competition for the first time in years after an impressive La Liga campaign, will travel to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday for their opening fixture.

Williams, who was recently named captain of Bilbao, is relishing the occasion and says his side is determined 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.”

Athletic Club face a daunting Champions League group that includes Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Atalanta, Newcastle United, Slavia Praha, Qarabağ, and Sporting CP. Despite the heavyweight names, Williams insists his team will compete with belief.

For the 31-year-old forward, Tuesday’s game will be especially significant — fulfilling a boyhood dream to represent Bilbao in the Champions League after years of consistency and loyalty to the club.

Meanwhile, Athletic will be without Williams’ younger brother, Nico Williams, who is sidelined with a thigh injury and will miss the trip to London.

Despite the setback, Inaki is optimistic that Bilbao can still rise to the occasion against last season’s semi-finalists, Arsenal.