Much like all the Manchester City players, Son Heung-min also plays at the elite level.
As a result, the Tottenham Hotspur captain can perhaps relate to any grievances they sound out.
Recently, Rodri was quizzed about whether being asked to play excessive games will lead to players going on strike.
The £62.5 million man replied via HaytersTV: “Yeah, I think we’re close to that. I mean, because it’s easy to understand. We were asking something, I think it’s general and you ask any player, he will say the same. It’s not like the opinion of Rodri or whatever, no.”
“I think it’s a general opinion of the players and if it keeps going this way, I think we will have no other option.”
The midfield maestro has subsequently suffered an ACL injury and he could be ruled out for the season after his comments; emphasising that players are being more and more vulnerable to such setbacks.
The Spaniard’s comments ahead of Manchester City’s 0-0 draw against Inter Milan made headlines.
Son admits he agrees with Man City star’s comments
Last season, Son started in 45 games for club and country.
The 32-year-old has been playing in Europe for a number of years and he has an in-depth idea of the rigorous fixture schedule top players have to adhere to.
The South Korean international will also likely play around 40 to 50 games this campaign at the very least.
However, ahead of Spurs’ upcoming contest against Qarabag SK in the Europa League, Son admitted that he agrees with the latest claim made by Rodri.
The versatile forward said via HaytersTV: “Don’t get me wrong, we love playing football, that’s clear because that’s what we work for to be here but do you know how much travelling and how many games, not only about the game but that preparing, mentally, physically, I think it’s a lot of work.”
Son continued: “I think the program was adding even more games. For example, City games, they play on Sunday and Tuesday. This was not even flexible, so you could move, probably for the guys, play Wednesday instead of Tuesday.”
“It’s not flexible, this is what we are talking about. It’s normal that everybody gets injuries and high risk of the injury, I think it’s not fair, I will say.”
“Also, I think Rodri said the right things, we play 50, 60 games and more than 70 games, I think this is not fair.”
Brilliant to see Son side with Rodri
Rodri made a brave statement by admitting that players are closing in on going on strike unless there are changes made to the fixture schedule.
Credit needs to be given to Son, as a player who is also one of the biggest names in world football to side with the Manchester City talisman.
At the end of the day, the problem of excessive games is not restricted to a single club.
It affects the entirety of European football.
Changes will only emerge once players of the calibre of Son and Rodri alongside others join them and have their honest say on how top-level footballers are being overburdened.
