'Brexit can NEVER be a success' Juncker's 'Brussels Monster' reveals REAL agenda of EU
JEAN-CLAUDE Juncker's closest ally has attacked Britain's decision to leave the EU, saying Brexit can "never be a success".
Martin Selmayr: The Brits are a pragmatic and optimistic people
Martin Selmayr, the European Commission president's chief of staff, described the UK’s upcoming divorce as a "sad and sorry event".
Despite growing tensions between Brussels and Downing Street, Mr Selmar had kinder words for Theresa May.
The fearsome arch-federalist, known as 'The Monster of Brussels', said the PM was an "impressive woman and an impressive negotiator".
I am convinced the Brits will enter negotiations in good faith
He told Politico: "We need a very strong negotiator who unites her entire nation behind her.
"I am convinced the Brits, pragmatic as they are, will enter negotiations in good faith."
But he insisted Mr Juncker would not play a big role in Brexit negotiations.
Martin Selmayr attacked Britain's decision to leave the European Union
The fearsome arch-federalist is known as the 'Monster of Brussels'
Mr Selmayr said: "I doubt the European Commission president will spend more than half an hour a week on this.
"We cannot become a lame duck. Brexit can never be a success, of course, because it is a sad and sorry event.
"But it can be managed in a professional and pragmatic way."
He described Theresa May as an 'impressive woman and negotiator'
Whitehall sources believe Mr Selmayr wants to "punish" the UK for quitting the bloc.
He is widely believed to have leaked damning details of Mrs May's tense meeting with Mr Juncker last week to a German newspaper.
The Eurocrat reportedly left the talks saying he was "10 times more sceptical" about the prospect of striking a Brexit deal.
Selmayr reportedly leaked details of May's meeting with Juncker
One minister told the Telegraph: "How was this leaked out to a German newspaper? I'm damned sure it was Selmayr.
"I think his reputation is one of a hard man and he's trying to prove it.
"It's a very stupid game to play."
A civil servant said Selmayr has 'taken Brexit very personally'
And a top civil servant said: "He is also a true believer in the European project and has taken Brexit very personally.
"He has always felt the UK was getting in the way of greater European integration.
"He is clear that if you choose to leave there is a cost to doing so."