Iñaki: “Los Williams are all those people who come here searching for a better life”

Iñaki Williams is one of those players who transcends sport.

As a footballer, he's outstanding. As a person, he faithfully represents Athletic's values, both on and off the pitch. On the pitch, for his tireless dedication and his natural leadership. Off the pitch, for his kindness and his commitment, something that was evident at Thinking Football on Thursday night.

As Iñaki spoke in front of a packed out Sala BBK in Bilbao, it became clear why he is one of the people most loved by the Athleticzale community.

"I dreamed of joining Athletic's youth academy and making it to the first team and I knew that I would not be kicked out of Athletic for lack of effort. Effort is non-negotiable for me," he said.

Raúl de la Fuente's ‘Los Williams’ tells the story of Iñaki and Nico with sensitivity and skill. More than a sporting profile, it is a human one. For that reason, their parents, María Arthuer, Athletic Club 125th anniversary ambassador, and Félix Williams, are fundamental to the film.

"This film is not just our story. 'Los Williams' are all those people who come here searching for a better life and I hope that people empathise with them as they empathise with us. That's the most important thing," said Iñaki when asked to explain who 'Los Williams' are.

But the film is a human picture, not only because of the odyssey they went through to reach Bilbao, but, above all, because of the love that exists in the family, from parents to children, and also from brother to brother.

"For me Nico is a bit like a son. What I like about him is that he asks me everything," the Athletic no.9 said.

"Now he is a mature man and I'm very happy because I see that he has learned all the values that our parents instilled in us

Athletic Club also figures prominently in the film. These two Black and Basque brothers with African blood running through their veins are global ambassadors of Athletic's philosophy.

But, before arriving to the spectacular scenes at La Gabarra, they had to go through a period of development and learning, and this is where the comprehensive development provided at Lezam really comes to the fore.

‘Athletic is also a family,’ Iñaki said.

Monday November 25, “Volver a vivir” & “Looking for Eric”

After a weekend break, Thinking Football will resume on Monday November 25. At 17:00 CET, you can watch ‘Volver a vivir’,  a classic football film. Directed by Mario Camus, it narrates the life of Luis Rubio, a former football player.

And at 19:00 CET, Ken Loach's masterpiece with Eric Cantona, ‘Looking for Eric’, returns to Thinking Football. The film's scriptwriter, Paul Laverty, a renowned figure in the world of cinema, will be in attendance and taking part in a post-screening chat.