Ghana forward Inaki Williams has ruled out playing for another club, declaring that he wants to end his professional career at Athletic Club.
The 32-year-old has spent his entire senior career with the Basque club after joining its academy in 2012. Over the years, he has developed into one of Athletic Club’s most important players and has established himself as a key figure in the club’s modern history.
Williams has made 515 official appearances for Athletic Club, putting him fifth on the club’s all-time appearance list.
Speaking to Radio Nacional de España, Williams was emphatic when asked whether he could see himself playing for another team before retiring.
“Impossible. I’m retiring here; I don’t want to wear any jersey other than Athletic’s,” he said.
The forward said he remains proud of his journey with the club and would accept the decision if Athletic eventually determines that he is no longer an important part of the team.
“I am very proud to have been part of this, and when the club decides I am no longer a key part of the team, I will step aside,” Williams added.
His comments further underline the strong bond he has developed with Athletic Club since joining the academy more than a decade ago.
Williams progressed through the club’s youth system before breaking into the senior team and becoming a regular in the first-team squad. His pace, strength and attacking ability have made him a consistent threat and an important player for the club.
The forward has also begun thinking about life after football. Williams revealed that he can already picture himself returning to San Mamés after retirement, this time as a supporter alongside his son.
“I’ll go to San Mamés with my son to watch new legends grow,” he said.
Williams recently announced his retirement from international football with Ghana, bringing his Black Stars career to an end.
Born in Bilbao to Ghanaian parents, Williams represented Spain at youth level before choosing to play for Ghana at senior international level. He made his debut for the Black Stars in 2022 and went on to feature in major international competitions.
His international career included appearances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
While his international career has now ended, Williams remains committed to Athletic Club, where he has spent virtually his entire professional life.
His current contract runs until 2028, giving him further opportunities to increase his impressive appearance tally and strengthen his place among the club’s most prominent players.
If Williams fulfils his ambition of retiring at Athletic Club, he would further cement his status as a rare modern-day one-club player.
For now, the Ghanaian forward remains focused on helping Athletic Club compete at the highest level while continuing to add to a remarkable record that has already seen him make more than 500 appearances for the club.
Williams’ decision also reflects the unique relationship between the player, the club and its supporters. Having grown through Athletic’s academy and spent his entire senior career wearing the club’s colours, he has made it clear that he does not want that story to end anywhere else.
With several years remaining on his contract, Williams has time to reach more milestones before eventually bringing down the curtain on his playing career.
And when that day comes, the Ghanaian forward wants it to happen at San Mamés, wearing the Athletic Club shirt for the final time.
