Manchester City ace Kevin de Bruyne has hit out at the workload on top players.
De Bruyne admits he has concerns over the wear-and-tear on mind and body.
The midfielder made the complaints in the lead up to last night's Nations League qualifier defeat to England. De Bruyne admits the heavy workload, despite English football's recess due to the UK lockdown, has hit him mentally.
"I have been playing non-stop for two years. But nobody listens to the players. Sometimes I worry," the Belgium international was quoted saying by HLN via O Jogo.
"I am especially concerned when I think about my situation. I had eight or nine days off. I couldn't go on vacation because my wife was pregnant, I didn't have a vacation. If I keep going until the end of the season, I will complete two years playing without any rest."
De Bruyne is pleading with the game's authorities for room in the calendar for the players to recharge. The midfielder insists he needs a break over concerns he cannot perform at his best given current circumstances.
De Bruyne is also aware of criticism from the public over the complaints, but says it's about being able to perform for the fans at his maximum which is his concern.
He continued: "We need that rest, especially at the mental level, the body asks to rest. But nobody listens to the players. They just say, 'You get a good salary, you have to take it', then a wave of injuries for many players, I know myself. I always play at 100 percent, I can't do it at 80 percent."
This campaign, De Bruyne has made five appearances for City - including two in the Carabao Cup. Last season, meanwhile, De Bruyne managed 48 first team appearances, scoring 16 goals.
- updated October 12
