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Arsenal apologise & promise to re-build trust with fans after withdrawing from ESL

Arsenal have acknowledged they will need to re-build trust with their supporters after announcing they would not partake in the European Super League.

The Gunners have been joined by their English rivals - Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham - in withdrawing from the competition on Tuesday.

In an open letter to fans posted on their website, the Arsenal board attempted to explain their position and promised to work hard to reconnect with their fans.

It read: "The last few days have shown us yet again the depth of feeling our supporters around the world have for this great club and the game we love.

"We needed no reminding of this but the response from supporters in recent days has given us time for further reflection and deep thought.

"It was never our intention to cause such distress, however when the invitation to join the Super League came, while knowing there were no guarantees, we did not want to be left behind to ensure we protected Arsenal and its future.

"As a result of listening to you and the wider football community over recent days we are withdrawing from the proposed Super League. We made a mistake, and we apologise for it.

"We know it will take time to restore your faith in what we are trying to achieve here at Arsenal but let us be clear that the decision to be part of the Super League was driven by our desire to protect Arsenal, the club you love, and to support the game you love through greater solidarity and financial stability.

"Stability is essential for the game to prosper and we will continue to strive to bring the security the game needs to move forward.

"The system needs to be fixed. We must work together to find solutions which protect the future of the game and harness the extraordinary power football has to get us on the edge of our seats.

Finally, we know this has been hugely unsettling at the end of what has been an incredibly difficult year for us all.

"Our aim is always to make the right decisions for this great football club, to protect it for the future and to take us forward. We didn't make the right decision here, which we fully accept.

"We have heard you.

"The Arsenal Board."

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Freddie Taylor

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