‘It’s Tough’ – Man City Defender Hints At Early Retirement

The ongoing debate about fixture congestion for the 2024/25 campaign has been a major issue, with both FIFA and UEFA facing criticism for adding more games to an already packed calendar.

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Changes to the UEFA Champions League format have resulted in two additional matches, while there are three international breaks scheduled from the start of the season until the end of 2024.

Additionally, Manchester City will participate in the 2026 FIFA Club World Cup next summer, which will overlap with the start of the 2025/26 season, followed closely by the 2026 World Cup.

In an interview with the club’s website, Akanji jokingly hinted at the possibility of early retirement, citing the ever-increasing number of fixtures as a growing concern.

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“It’s so tough,” said Akanji.

“You don’t just think about this season – but also next season. Let’s say we win the league or cup, then go to the final of the Club World Cup; the Community Shield is three weeks after. So when do we have holidays?

“There are no breaks in winter, so if we are lucky we get two weeks and then we need to be back and into next season.

“Next summer it’s the World Cup. There’s no end to it! It’s just game after game, I don’t know how it will work out in the next couple of years.

“At some point you’ll be too tired to play any more games. Maybe I’ll retire at 30!”