Atletico Madrid and Inter the first non-English sides to abandon Super League

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Atletico Madrid and Inter have become the first sides outwith the English Premier League to announce they will not be taking part in the proposed European Super League.

The plans for the Super League started to crumble on Tuesday evening when the ‘Big Six’ in England – Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool – all confirmed they would be pulling out of the proposed new tournament.

READ MORE: European Super League plans dead after Premier League pull out, Agnelli admits

That left just six sides remaining from Spain and Italy – Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Inter, and Juventus.

The idea now appears to be completely dead though as the Super League has now lost two more teams in Atletico and Inter.

One of the driving forces behind the establishment of a new European Super League has been Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli, but even he seems resigned to its collapse now, saying:

“I don’t think that project is now still up and running.”

Atletico Madrid statement

“The board of directors, meeting this Wednesday morning, has decided to formally communicate to the Super League and the rest of the founding clubs its decision not to finally formalise its adherence to the project.

“Atletico de Madrid 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.”

Inter statement

“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.”