Ander Herrera has become the first active footballer to speak out against the planned European Super League.
Sunday's late night announcement has been widely condemned throughout the continent, by fans and pundits alike, with Gary Neville particularly vociferous on the subject.
Whilst many former players have been amongst those coming out against the Premier League's big six, and six sides from La Liga and Serie A, no current player had yet spoken about the plans.
PSG midfielder Herrera, who previously played for Manchester United, has come out with a statement on social media against the ESL.
Posting on Twitter on Monday morning, the 31-year-old stuck his head above the parapet, saying, "I fell in love with popular football, with the football of the fans, with the dream of seeing the team of my heart compete against the greatest. If this European super league advances, those dreams are over."
— Ander Herrera (@AnderHerrera) April 19, 2021
Ander Herrera I salute you.
— Spencer (@SpencerOwen) April 19, 2021
Who’s next? https://t.co/e8oS3izTXH
Well said, Ander Herrera. 🙌 https://t.co/aeKONjS1gk
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) April 19, 2021
Yes Herrera! More players needed now! #PlayersStandUp #NoToEuropeanSuperLeague https://t.co/HM3t9hWYnj
— Younes H-Hamou (@youneshh) April 19, 2021
Needs to be players from "The 12" who step up now, that would be massive. Herrera obviously plays for a club not involved in the #SuperLeague plans. https://t.co/5XyD8L1B0H
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) April 19, 2021
Y'all got me out here agreeing with Ander Herrera and Boris Johnson. SMH. https://t.co/iwf90PxQFA
— Diana Kristinne (@DianaKristinne) April 19, 2021
ALL HAIL @AnderHerrera - thank you for speaking up Ander https://t.co/I6t67v1qio
— Graham Hunter (@BumperGraham) April 19, 2021
According to the reports on Sunday, PSG have so far refused the chance to join the 12 founding clubs in the Super League.
The Ligue 1 champions, who reached their first Champions League final last season, reportedly feel that they should show 'loyalty' to UEFA and the competition they are yet to win.
Mauricio Pochettino's team once again have a chance to win Europe's most elite club competition this season, after knocking out Bayern Munich, who beat them in last season's final, in the quarter finals last week.
Mesut Ozil became the second active player to speak about the issue, joining Herrera in hitting out at the Super League.
Kids grow up dreaming to win the World Cup and the Champions League - not any Super League. The enjoyment of big games is that they only happen once or twice a year, not every week. Really hard to understand for all football fans out there...⚽💔
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) April 19, 2021
Some have argued that Herrera speaking out, and PSG not joining the Super League, is mere hypocrisy due to their controversial owners.
The fact that the World Cup is in Qatar next winter has been used to beat both the player and the club, but it doesn't mean that what Herrera is saying isn't spot on!
source https://www.sportbible.com/football/take-a-bow-psg-star-hits-out-at-european-super-league-20210419
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