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'People laughed at me' - Former Chelsea star responds to Rodri strike suggestion

Cesc Fabregas celebrates with Filipe Luis, Diego Costa, Cesar Azpilicueta and Thibaut Courtois after winning the Premier League with Chelsea
-Credit: (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)


Former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has waded into the debate about footballers going on strike over their increased schedules.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri sent shockwaves through the football world when he suggested that players could go on strike due to increased workloads. When there is a summer like the one we have just had, with Copa America and Euro 2024 taking place, the world's top stars do not get much rest between seasons.

Speaking earlier this week, the Man City star said: "I think we are close to that [going on strike]. I think if you ask any player he will say the same.

"And if it keeps this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option, I really think, but let's see. I don't know what's going to happen but it's something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer."

A number of other stars have had their say on the situation, with John McGinn and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson speaking out. And now, with the release of a new documentary about him, Courtois has opened up on the debate.

"In 2021 I said that the Nations League was too much and that we shouldn't play. People laughed at me and look now," he said.

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"It's difficult. I don't think it's necessarily the games [the problem]. It's the break between one season and another. Players who have gone far in the Copa América or the Euro Cup have had three weeks of vacation. That's impossible. In the NBA they have a demanding schedule but you rest for four months. That's the difference.

"In the NBA they also play a lot of games, but they have many months off. I rested well by not going with the national team and I feel good. But those who play in the Euro Cup or Copa América don't have time."

There have been suggestions that if the schedule is reduced then so should players' wages. Courtois was not having that.

He added: "One thing has nothing to do with the other. I think there is enough income to pay the salaries."