Athletic Club condemn 'rumours and arrogance' as they announce plan to restore Williams mural

Athletic Club have issued a strong statement condemning the defacing of a mural that included Nico Williams, amid speculation linking the winger with a move away from the club.

The Bilbao club also announced a plan to restore the artwork that was created by street artist Carlos Lopez.

The mural, featuring Nico, his brother Inaki Williams, and Iker Muniain, was vandalised, with Nico's face being removed and the message "leave or stay, you have lost respect" being written across it.

In a statement on their club website, Athletic said: "The dignity of a club is the dignity of the people who make it up and is measured by their capacity to behave in a coherent way with their own values, without falling into provocations or lowering themselves, and always holding their heads high. Respect is one of the fundamental pillars of Athletic Club.

"Nico is one of us. A player raised in Lezama, loved in the dressing room and supported by his fans."

Williams has been on the radar of several clubs in Europe this summer and his departure has looked increasingly likely, with Barcelona surging to the front of the queue recently, as Blaugrana president Joan Laporta looks to complete a deal.

The statement continued: "The dignity of a club is also reflected in the way it protects its own people. That is why those who have erased Nico's image from artist Carlos Lopez's mural in Barakaldo do not represent Athletic. And if they think they are part of this family, they should know that they are wrong: to disrespect one of our own is to disrespect Athletic itself.

"The Club understands that the current situation can generate unease among Athletic supporters, especially when it is fuelled by rumours, arrogance or contempt for our identity. But to be Athletic is also to know how to keep one's composure. Supporting Athletic means acting with respect, not falling into provocations or losing our 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 sum of individuals. It is a family, a team, a community united by a special way of understanding football.

"And it is also a winning project. With a generation of committed players, with an exemplary fan base and with an identity that can neither be bought nor sold. Athletic has a present and a future. Because this Club will always go 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 the street artist, Carlos Lopez, so that, as soon as possible and helping him in everything he needs, he can restore Nico Williams in the mural, along with his brother Inaki."