MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City midfielder Rodri says top soccer players are close to going on strike because of the number of games they are having to play.
The Spain international said players are concerned about the way the game is headed as more games are added to the calendar in competitions like the Champions League, which starts on Tuesday.
Rodri was asked on Tuesday if players might start refusing to play because of the calendar.
“I think we are close to that,” he said in a news conference ahead of City’s Champions League opener against Inter Milan on Wednesday. “It’s easy to understand. You ask any player he will say the same — it’s not the opinion of (just) Rodri or whoever. I think it’s a general opinion of the players.
“If it keeps this way, it will be a moment when we have no other option, I really think. It’s something that worries us because we are the guys who suffer.”
Rodri is expected to start his first game for City this season when Inter visits Etihad Stadium, having been given an extended break by the club after winning the European Championship with Spain in July.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has issued a warning that top players in the Premier League are considering going on strike in protest against the proposed European Super League.
The European Super League, which was announced earlier this week, has caused outrage among fans, players, and officials across the footballing world. The breakaway competition would see 12 of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Manchester City, compete in a closed league format, effectively ending the tradition of promotion and relegation.
Rodri, who has been a key player for Manchester City this season, expressed his concerns about the impact of the European Super League on the integrity of the sport. He stated that top players are discussing the possibility of going on strike to show their opposition to the new competition.
The Spanish midfielder emphasized that players are not just concerned about their own careers and financial interests, but also about the future of football as a whole. He believes that the European Super League would only benefit a select group of clubs at the expense of the rest of the footballing community.
Rodri’s comments come amidst growing backlash against the European Super League from fans, players, and governing bodies. FIFA and UEFA have both condemned the breakaway competition, threatening to ban participating clubs and players from their respective competitions.
It remains to be seen whether top players will indeed go on strike in protest against the European Super League. However, Rodri’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of the proposed competition on the world of football. Fans and players alike are united in their opposition to the European Super League, and it is clear that the fight against the breakaway competition is far from over.