Man City star says he could be forced to retire from football at the end of the season

Manchester City star Manuel Akanji has joked that he may have to retire at the end of the season as part of a wider discussion about the current fixture schedule.

Akanji spoke ahead of the Champions League’s return this week, highlighting significant changes to the competition. This season features a new format with a single league phase, increasing the number of matches from six to eight in the initial stage.

The added fixtures have intensified concerns among players about the congested schedule. Additionally, with two international breaks planned for October and November, players will face extensive travel.

Akanji expressed his frustration with the current setup and suggested that players might need to consider retiring earlier than expected due to the relentless schedule. He commented on the challenge of managing the calendar: “It’s incredibly tough. It’s not just about this season but also the next.

For instance, if we win the league or cup and then reach the Club World Cup final, the Community Shield follows in three weeks. When do we get a break? There are no winter holidays, so if we’re lucky, we might get two weeks off before the next season starts.

Then, the following summer, it’s the World Cup. The games just keep coming with no end in sight. It’s unsustainable to keep adding matches and expecting players to cope without considering their well-being. At some point, fatigue sets in, leading to injuries.”

The 29-year-old defender concluded, “We train hard and stay fit, but there must be limits. I might even retire at 30!”