REACTION TO SIX CLUBS' DEPARTURE
The six English Premier League clubs who signed up for the European Super League withdrew on Tuesday — 48 hours after it was announced — leaving the project in tatters. Here are reactions to the dramatic U-turns of Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur after they bowed to the pressure following widespread condemnation of the project. “They are back in the fold now and I know they have a lot to offer not just to our competitions but to the whole of the European game. The important thing now is that we move on, rebuild the unity that the game enjoyed before this and move forward together.” Aleksander Ceferin, president, UEFA “I still believe there are plenty of things to improve, but this was definitely not the right way and I'm very proud to see the answer from the football fans around the world.” Aymeric Laporte, defender, Manchester City
“The decision by Chelsea and
Manchester City is — if confirmed — absolutely the right one and I commend them for it. I hope the other clubs involved in the European Super League will follow their lead.” British Prime Minister
Boris Johnson
“The people have spoken. We
were on the brink of anarchy if this continued … Perez might have (the owners of the six Premier League clubs) on a £100 million fine — I hope so — I hope Perez has got them on a massive fine to withdraw, the lot of them, I hope they basically end up eating each other.”
Gary Neville, former
Manchester United defender “We've got our ball back” Gary Lineker, ex-england striker, now TV presenter
“Well done football fans. This
beautiful sport is nothing without you.”
Cesc Fabregas, former Arsenal midfielder
“The fans have always been
and will always be integral to Liverpool Football Club. In so many ways they are the club. I am relieved to know that the club has listened to them.” Liverpool great Kenny Dalglish
“Football belongs to the fans.
Today more than ever.” Gerard Pique, defender, Barcelona
“Remember who you are, what
you are and who you represent!”
Ian Wright, former Arsenal striker