Because of his comments against Premier League spending and Arsenal Football Club, a notion gained credence in England that Michel Platini was anglophobic. However, the UEFA president has attempted to dilute the suggestion by praising English fans.
"Football belongs to the fans and you have great fans in England," he explained in The Daily Telegraph. "They love football.
"They respect the decisions.
"England is the only country where they get angry about diving," he added.
"They are great football people. They don't disturb the life of the players - it's wonderful, but I am not so open to the business side.
"I am not popular in England because of the journalists, but I see many fans on the plane and they seem to like me, we speak about my passion for English clubs.''
Alan Dawson
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