Bullish Juventus president Andrea Agnelli insists he has no plans to ‘give up’ on the controversial European Super League proposals – and says his club are ‘bigger than anyone’ after selling Cristiano Ronaldo
- The ill-fated European Super League breakaway collapsed after a public outcry
- But several figures remain committed to the proposals, including Andrea Agnelli
- Juventus president Agnelli says that the football system is still in need of change
- He also insisted the Old Lady are bigger than stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo
Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has insisted that he won’t ‘give up’ on the much-maligned European Super League proposals – and also said that his club are ‘bigger than anyone’ after selling Cristiano Ronaldo.
The ill-fated breakaway scheme lasted just two days, with the majority of the 12 clubs withdrawing off the back of a heated public backlash. However, those responsible for the plans are determined to change the face of the sport.
Agnelli is one of the figures at the very top of the plot and has again doubled down on his controversial stance that the system needs a ‘change’.
Juventus president Andrea Agnelli insists he will not give up on European Super League plans
Speaking at a Juventus shareholders’ meeting today, Agnelli delved into a number of topics – with the Super League and Ronaldo high on the agenda.
‘The Super League, the consequences on ECA and UEFA, and the roles held for Real Madrid, Barcelona – today we are waiting for a ruling by the European Court of Justice,’ Agnelli said.
‘It was the admission from 12 clubs that football is refusing change to maintain a political class that does not risk, does not compete and wants to cash in only.
The ill-fated breakaway plot collapsed after a public backlash, but Agnelli remains committed
Supporters of several Premier League clubs had protested against the controversial proposals
‘I do not want to give up, and I did not do it yesterday, I will not do it tomorrow.
‘The system needs a change and Juve wants to be part of it. But only through constructive dialogue, for everyone.’
UEFA, according to reports, have warned that the Super League still poses an ‘ongoing and existential threat to the foundations and future of European football’.
This comes despite the governing body dropping legal actions against the three teams committed to the breakaway, namely Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus.
Barcelona and Real Madrid, along with Juventus, are keen to reignite the Super League plot
UEFA dropped legal action against the three clubs, despite the scheme still posing a threat
It was confirmed by UEFA that it has declared court proceedings ‘null and void’, and each of the clubs remain involved in the plans despite the other nine pulling out.
Meanwhile, Agnelli spoke highly of his time working with superstar Ronaldo before his departure for Manchester United in the summer.
The veteran forward scored 101 goals in 134 appearances for the Old Lady, but Agnelli was also quick to highlight that the club is more important than any player.
‘It was an honour and a pleasure,’ he added. ‘And if we think about what has been on the field, we cannot symbolically applaud Cristiano and thank him for the joys.
Agnelli has also said that Juventus are bigger than ‘anyone else’ after Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit
‘The only pity is that for one year and a half out of three, we played behind closed doors.
‘[Alvaro] Morata is right when he says that the Juventus jersey brings responsibility.
‘I am in charge of this club and Juventus is bigger than anyone else had the honour to participate in this path. It comes before any other person.
‘In this context, we need to regain our values: work, sacrifice, discipline. These values must bring results on and off the pitch.’
