Manchester City's Akanji Considers Early Retirement

Former Manchester City star Jesus Navas has revealed that he may retire sooner than planned due to a chronic hip injury that has significantly affected his performance and quality of life. The 38-year-old expressed his hope to continue playing until December, but acknowledged the increasing difficulty of each game, stating that he struggles to walk for days after matches. Meanwhile, current Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has voiced concerns over the hectic fixture schedule, suggesting that he may retire at 30 due to burnout and the lack of recovery time amidst an expanded Champions League format. Akanji highlighted that the new schedule complicates player management with no clear breaks for holidays, adding to the risk of injuries. His comments reflect a growing sentiment among footballers about the demands of modern football and its impact on player well-being. Both players underscore the pressing issues in football regarding health and fixture congestion.