MANCHESTER CITY midfielder Rodri today raised the prospect of a players strike over increasing fixture congestion.

City face a busy season ahead as they compete in the new-look Champions League and an expanded Club World Cup next summer.

Euro 2024 winner Rodri, one of the leading contenders for this year’s Ballon d’Or award, agrees the issue is a major concern.

Asked if players could ever strike, the Spain international said: “Yes, I think we are close to that. If it keeps this way we will have no other option. It is something that worries us.”

Rodri added: “In my experience, 40-50 [games per season] is the amount a player can perform at highest level. After that you drop because it is impossible to sustain the highest level.

“This year we can go to 70, maybe 80. In my humble opinion it is too much. Someone has to take care of ourselves.

“When I am not tired I perform better and if the people want to see better football, we need to rest.”

Chief executive of the English players’ union, Maheta Molango, has said those running the game must “sit up and take notice” of players’ comments.