Atletico Madrid, Inter join ‘Big Six’ in withdrawing from ESL

James Holland
Gil Marin Atletico owner ESL F365

La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid and Italian giants Inter Milan have joined the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ in leaving the European Super League.

Chelsea and Manchester City became the first teams to leave on Tuesday evening.

They were soon followed by Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.


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All six English sides have released statements about their involvement and ultimate exit.

Atletico Madrid said: “The Board of Directors, meeting this Wednesday morning, has decided to formally communicate to the Superliga and the rest of the founding clubs its decision not to formalise its adherence to the project.

“Atletico made the decision last Monday to join this project in response to circumstances that no longer exist today.

“For the club, harmony is essential between all the groups that make up the Rojiblanca family, especially our fans.

“The first-team squad and their coach have shown their satisfaction with the club’s decision, understanding that sporting merits must prevail over any other criteria.”

Meanwhile, an Inter statement read (via Fabrizio Romano): “FC Internazionale Milano confirm that the club is no longer part of the Super League project.

“We are always committed to giving fans the best football experience; innovation and inclusion are part of our DNA since our foundation. Our engagement with all stakeholders to improve the football industry will never change.

“Inter believes that football, like every sector of activity, must have an interest in constantly improving its competitions, to keep on exciting fans of all ages around the world, within a framework of financial sustainability.

“With this vision, we look forward to carry on working together with institutions and all stakeholders for the future of the sport we all love.”

Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli was one of the project’s main organisers.

He reacted to the Big Six’s departure by saying the ESL ‘could not go ahead without them’.

He added: “I remain convinced of the beauty of that project, of the value that it would have developed to the pyramid, of the creation of the best competition in the world, but evidently no. I don’t think the project is now still up and running.”