KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTS: Andrea Agnelli, the Juventus boss derided as a “liar and a snake” by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, has swaid he still believes in the Super League project despite its 72-hour rise and fall.

Agnelli had led the European Club Association in negotiations with the European federation over the design of an expanded Champions League but then shocked Ceferin by jumping ship at the weekend.

He was vilified by the UEFA president and also by fellow Italian club bosses for helping lead the failed 12-club breakaway.

However he remained a believer in the concept, if not in its launch management.

Agnelli, whose family have owned Juventus since the 1930s, said: “It cannot go ahead now but I remain convinced of the beauty of the project, of the value that it would have developed to the football pyramid, of the creation of the best competition in the world.”

Fellow Serie A club Internazionale, in stepping back, said: “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.”

No apology was forthcoming either from neighbours AC Milan.

Their own retraction statement read: “The voices and the concerns of fans around the world have clearly been expressed about the Super League, and AC Milan must be sensitive to the voice of those who love this wonderful sport. We will continue to work hard to deliver a sustainable model for football”

 In Spain Atletico Madrid followed suit, saying: “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.”

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