The European Super League collapsed just after 48 hours from its official announcement. After strong protest from fans worldwide, Manchester City and Chelsea were the first clubs to pull out from the ESL, followed by the other Premier League clubs, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Later, Spanish club Atletico Madrid and Italian side Inter Milan also withdrew from the European Super League. The clubs released official statements confirming their withdrawals. AC Milan, Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid are still in it, even though the chance of the Super League happening is nil.
The would-be chairman of the Super League, Florentino Perez, appeared on Spanish radio to explain what is happening on Wednesday night. He also talked about the contract renewals of various Real Madrid players. Here’s what he said in the interview, via Fabrizio Romano.
Sergio Ramos
“Ramos renewal? We will see. We’re closing the season and we are asking our players to make a big effort. Of course I want him to stay. His future depends on the club situation, it’s not only about Sergio”
“Sergio Ramos has not signed a new contract as of today – and I don’t know why. I love Sergio as a son. But the situation is what it is. He knows it, and so do I”
Raphael Varane
“Varane? I’m happy of our team… if players don’t want to stay at Madrid they can leave”. There’s still no agreement between Raphael Varane and Real Madrid about the new contract – current one is expiring in June 2022.
Zinedine Zidane
“I can’t imagine Real Madrid without Zinedine Zidane as a manager. And no, it’s not true that I was ready to sack him after our match against Shakhtar in UCL group stage”
Luka Modric
“Luka Modric has extended his contract with Real Madrid”.
Kylian Mbappe
“If we don’t sign Mbappé this summer, I don’t think any fan will shoot himself in the head. They know we’re doing our best, and if things don’t happen, it’s because they’re impossible”
Cristiano Ronaldo
“The rumors of Cristiano Ronaldo coming back to Madrid are just rumors from his entourage. There’s nothing”