Akanji: I May be Forced To Retire Early

Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has disclosed that he may forced to retire early due to the team’s busy schedule this season.

Recall that the row over games being added to the roster for the 2024/25 campaign has been a major talking point with FIFA and UEFA both coming in for criticism.

Changes to the UEFA Champions League mean two extra games added in, alongside 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 narrowed to the the subsequent 2025/26 season, which is swiftly followed by the 2026 World Cup.

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However, in a chat with the club’s website, Akanji has joking hinted at considering retirement due to an ever-expanding fixture schedule this season.

“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!”