A mural of Inaki (L) and his brother Nico (R)
Athletic Bilbao have restored the mural of Nico Williams in Barakaldo after it was defaced by some fans angered by rumours linking the winger with a summer move to Barcelona.
The mural, painted by artist Carlos López, originally featured Nico, his brother Iñaki Williams, and club captain Iker Muniain celebrating Athletic’s 2023/24 Copa del Rey triumph.
However, tensions rose when reports emerged that Nico was close to joining Barcelona. In protest, some supporters removed his image from the mural and left behind a message that read: “Leave or stay, you’ve disrespected us.”
Images of the vandalised mural spread quickly on social media, drawing strong reactions from the club and the Williams family.
Iñaki Williams condemned the act in a post online, saying: “Behind an anonymous lack of respect, there is always someone too small to show their face.”
Athletic Bilbao also released an official statement supporting Nico and rejecting the actions of the vandals.
“The dignity of a club is also reflected in the way it protects its own,” the club said. “Those who erased Nico’s image don’t represent Athletic Club.
Disrespecting one of our own is disrespecting Athletic Club itself.”
Following the backlash, the club moved quickly to have the mural restored to its original form.
The fresh paintwork reinstates Nico alongside Iñaki and Muniain, once again celebrating the club’s historic Copa del Rey win.
Nico, 22, was one of Athletic’s standout players last season, scoring 11 goals and providing 7 assists in 41 matches.
His strong performances have attracted interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Arsenal, though reports suggest he prefers to stay in La Liga.
FKA/MA
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