Manchester City star Manuel Akanji has joked that he is considering retirement due to an ever-expanding fixture schedule this season.
The controversy surrounding the matches added to the list for the 2024/25 campaign has been a major talking point, with both FIFA and UEFA criticised.
Players and coaches from top clubs have spoken out on the issue as they look to manage match workloads to protect key players during a busy season.
The changes to the UEFA Champions League will see two extra games added, as well as three international breaks from the start of the season, until the end of 2024.
City will also compete in the 2026 FIFA Club World Cup next summer, with the gap closing until the following 2025/26 season, which will be quickly followed by the 2026 World Cup.
Akanji has been a vital part of City’s success in recent seasons, making 127 appearances for club and country since joining City two years ago this month.
The Swiss international has added his voice to the growing concern as City prepare to kick off their Champions League campaign in midweek.
“It’s very difficult. You’re not just thinking about this season, you’re thinking about the next one. Let’s say we win the league or a cup, then we go to the Club World Cup final, the Community Shield is three weeks later. When do we get a holiday?” according to the site BBC Sport.
“There is no break in the winter, if we are lucky we have two weeks off and then we have to come back and move on to the next season.
“Next summer, it will be the World Cup. There will be no end! We are playing one match after another, I don’t know how it will go in the next two years.
“At some point you’ll be too tired to play any more games. Maybe I’ll retire at 30!”
City have started their Premier League campaign brightly, being the only team to win their first four games of the campaign, with Akanji playing 90 minutes in all four.
Their Champions League campaign will begin at home to Inter Milan on September 18, before hosting Arsenal in the league four days later.
