According to a report by journalist Sid Lowe in The Guardian, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is understood to be referencing Manchester City as the club not being 'fully committed' to the European Super League (ESL), which apparently played a heavy hand in the breakaway division's eventual suspension. 

Indeed, as per this report, the Sky Blues are whom Perez is referencing when he opened up over one of the six Premier League founding clubs first getting cold feet over the project.

He explained that 'one of the English clubs' didn't seem so interested and that doubt 'spread to the rest' of the teams (The Guardian), eventually resulting in many clubs announcing they'd be withdrawing from the ESL plans.

With Lowe explaining that this originally unnamed club is indeed City, many Sky Blues supporters erupted at this claim - with one fan calling it 'massive'.

The proposed breakaway could have had untold consequences for English football, especially considering that UEFA threatened to ban involved sides from domestic competition and even warned that players may not be able to represent their national teams (Sam Cunningham on Twitter).

Given the huge ESL tipping point in which City allegedly played a heavy part, it's little wonder this has grabbed plenty of attention from fans.  Lots of Sky Blues supporters protested over their club's involvement in the controversial plans, with many now overjoyed their side eventually played a big role in its suspension.

Find some of their verdicts below.

Man City fans erupt over ESL claim

"We're saving football"

Credit: @Prince_Ederson

"Massive"

Credit: @PelvisPoker

"We joined the ESL to bring it down. In the process, became friends with UEFA as well. And now lesser competition for Haaland.

Masterclass."

Credit: @damned_reality

"Proud to be a blue now"

Credit: @FodenCTID

"THATS MY CLUB SAVING FOOTBALL"

Credit: @mxnciteh

"Well done Man City, good riddance Mr Perez!!"

Credit: @skyblue9320

"We’re massive"

Credit: @alexmcfc_1

"Joined just to dismantle them from inside, my owner"

Credit: @CityJoul

In other news: Man City fans also flocked to this 'best news', find out more here.