The caption, which included a derogatory word, reignited the controversy surrounding Nico's expected move to Barcelona. This is not the first time the mural has been targeted. On June 21, it suffered a similar attack, with the face replaced by a Basque phrase.
Hours after the latest vandalism, Carlos Lopez attempted to restore the mural. The previous incident also prompted a wave of reactions and a call for civility from Athletic Club. The club's stance on the issue remains unchanged, despite the ongoing conflict with Barcelona over the possible signing of Nico.
The situation highlights the strong emotions surrounding the transfer of players between clubs. It also raises questions about the impact of social media on fans' behavior and the need for respectful dialogue in the sports community.