Athletic Club issue strong statement on Nico Williams after mural is defaced amid Barcelona transfer talk

Athletic Club have issued a strong statement about Nico Williams amid fevered speculation about his future and a possible move to Barcelona.

The Catalan giants are said to have agreed personal terms with Nico and are expected to subsequently activate his release clause.

The rumors have led to a mural featuring Nico, Inaki Williams and Iker Muniain being defaced and the message: “whether you leave or stay, you have lost respect” appearing.

Nico Williams' face has been removed from a mural in Barakaldo in the early hours of Sunday.

Replacing the photo of Nico is a writing: "Whether you leave or stay, you've lost our respect." pic.twitter.com/ODCH4NahS1 — Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) June 22, 2025

This has led to a very strong response from Athletic Club with a post on social media that reads:

“The dignity of a club is also reflected in the consistency of its values ​​and the way it protects its members. Therefore, those who erased Nico Williams’ image from the mural by artist Carlos López do not represent Athletic Club.”

The club has also posted a longer statement on the club’s official website, criticising those who have defaced the mural and pledging to restore the Spain star to the image.

“The dignity of a club is the dignity of its people, measured by their ability to behave consistently with their own values, without giving in to provocation or demeaning themselves, and always holding their heads high. Respect is one of Athletic Club’s fundamental pillars.

“Summer has just begun, and posts about Nico Williams, a player with a contract with Athletic Club until 2027, abound in the media and social media. Along with them, countless comments and reactions of all kinds. Nico is one of us. A player raised in Lezama, beloved in the locker room, and supported by his fans.

“The dignity of a club is also reflected in the way it protects its own. That’s why those who erased Nico’s image from the mural by artist Carlos López in Barakaldo don’t represent Athletic Club. And if they think they’re part of this family, they should know they’re wrong: disrespecting one of our own is disrespecting Athletic Club itself.

“The Club understands that the current situation may cause concern among Athletic fans, especially when fueled by rumors, arrogance, or disdain for our identity. But being an Athletic fan also means knowing how to maintain composure. Defending Athletic means acting with respect, not falling for provocations or losing your manners.

“The Club will defend its interests with determination and firmness wherever necessary, always faithful to its principles. But Athletic is much more than a collection of individuals. It’s a family, a group, a community united by a special way of understanding football.

“And it’s also a winning project. With a committed generation of players, with exemplary fans, and with an identity that can’t be bought or sold. Athletic has a present and a future. Because this Club will always move forward, with its head held high, with respect, and with pride. With those who are here and with those who will come.

“Athletic Club has already contacted street artist Carlos López to help him with any assistance he may need and restore Nico Williams to the mural, alongside his brother Iñaki.”

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