Manchester City midfielder Rodri has suggested players are "close" to going on strike because of concerns over their increasing workload.

Manchester City's Rodri said players are "close" to going on strike in protest of the crowded soccer calendar, which has increasingly become a point of tension in the sport amid concerns about player welfare.

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,

One player who looks to have benefited from a rest over the summer is City striker Erling Haaland, who has already scored nine goals after just four Premier League games. Rodri feels the Norwegian's form illustrates his point. He said: "Maybe he is a good example. He had a long break because his country didn't qualify for the Euros.

Players could be close to strike action over the amount of games they are required to play, Manchester City midfielder Rodri warned on Tuesday on the eve of their Champions League opener against Inter Milan.

Luke Entwistle reporting from Monaco Manchester City midfielder Rodri (28) evoked the idea of a strike in reaction to the increasingly packed schedule. Barcelona’s Jules Koundé (25) has echoed

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has indicated he would be open to a player strike unless the season fixture overload is addressed.

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde “agreed with everything” said by Manchester City’s Rodri on footballers being “close” to striking over the volume of matches. The mass expansion of the Club World Cup by FIFA — coupled with an increase in Champions League matches in UEFA’s new competition format — has swelled the club calendar.

Barcelona's Jules Kounde was in agreement with Manchester City's Rodri that players could go on strike