Inaki Williams: Athletic Bilbao boss hails striker on milestone

Ghana international Inaki Williams’s qualities cannot be underestimated and that has helped him reach an enviable milestone in Athletic Bilbao’s shirt.

Inaki, who is regarded as one of Athletic Bilbao’s greatest club legends, has now clocked 500 professional appearances, a feat that has only been achieved by seven other players in the history of the Lions.

Inaki Williams has 25 caps with two goals for Ghana

The 21-year-old’s appearance on Saturday against Girona meant the Bilbao-born now joins a group of 19 current professionals in European football who have played 500 or more competitive matches for one club.

 

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Developed at the Athletic Bilbao’s academy, he has made over 500 first-team appearances for the club, including a La Liga record of 251 consecutive matches.

The milestone was however marred by Athletico Bilbao’s 3-0 loss at Girona where Morocco international Azzedine Ounahi scored a second goal in between Hugo Rincon’s first half opener and Claudio Exheverri third at the Estadi Montilivi.

Ernesto Valverde said of Inaki Williams achievement.

“He can be proud of his achievements,” said manager Ernesto Valverde, who himself played 492 games for Athletic across three spells.

“These are impressive figures that highlight what Iñaki means not only to the team, but also to the club and its history.

“He has achieved everything through sheer determination, thanks to his unbridled fighting spirit, which always drives us on and pushes us forward. This will be another success in his career.”

Inaki Williams played for Spain at the U-21 level before switching allegiance to represent Ghana in 2022, receiving his first call in September that year.

He has made 20 league appearances this season with two goals scored after battling injuries in the last few months.

He has played 25 times for Ghana since switching allegiance with two goals scored.