MIKEL Arteta says the failed attempt to launch a European Super League proves “the soul of this sport belongs to the fans”.

The Arsenal boss said he knew nothing about the breakaway competition until just before the news hit the headlines on Sunday, despite the fact the Gunners were unveiled as one of its 12 “founding members”.

Furious supporters, clubs, players, managers, governing bodies across Europe and even the government united to oppose the shambolic plans – and within 48 hours of being announced the league crumbled as the so-called “big six” English clubs involved all withdrew.

Reflecting on the fallout, Arteta said: “This has given a big lesson and it shows the importance of football in the world. It shows that the soul of this sport belongs to the fans and that’s it.

“During the pandemic, we’ve been trying to sustain this industry with no fans in the stadium, but when the fans have to come out and talk they’ve talked really loud and clear. They’ve sent probably the strongest message that has ever been sent in the football world.

“We have to listen to them. We put it out and within 24 hours they killed the project. That’s a massive statement in the history of football.”

Further protests are expected tonight (Friday) when the Gunners entertain Everton in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium.

Revealing that Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham have since apologised to him and the players over the club’s plans to join the league, Arteta insisted their hearts were in the right place.

The Spaniard added: “I know the people who work in the organisation. First of all they are very caring for the interests of the football club.

“Secondly, they are very intelligent and professional people, so I am sure that they had the right reasons to start something, but it clearly didn’t work, or it wasn’t the right time, or it wasn’t done in the right way or it was time to step back.

“It says a lot about the people who are involved in those decisions, again, to undo something straight away and to show the importance to the people that are really important in this industry, which is the fans, and [they’re] the reason why we are all sitting here.”

Turning his attentions to the pitch, Arteta said he was looking forward to his latest reunion with Everton, adding: “I had an incredible seven years over there, there are a lot of people there that I love, a lot of feelings towards the club, towards their supporters and I’m always grateful because I had some amazing years there.”