UEFA president Michel Platini hit back at Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson after he seemed to belittle the Europa League.
Ferguson described being in the Europa League as his team's "punishment" for having failed to qualify for the Champions League knock-out rounds following their shock 2-1 defeat at Basel on Wednesday night.
"The world does not revolve around England, I like England a lot, it's football is fantastic, it's supporters are wonderful but you shouldn't criticise the Europa League just because you've played in three Champions League finals," said Platini referring to United's final appearances in 2008, 2009 and earlier this year.
"The Europa League is a brilliant competition, it's amazing. I know Mr Ferguson would have preferred to be in the Champions League but so would many clubs who don't have that possibility."
Source: AFP
