Lent.az
Thierry Henry has urged FIFA and UEFA to engage in serious dialogue with current players regarding match congestion, highlighting the impact of the modern football schedule on players.
"I was in that situation, maybe not as much as the players are now. But even then, I was coming to tournaments dead – both mentally and physically. I came to the 2002 World Cup injured. I came to the 2004 European Championship injured. I was injured at the 2009 European Championship. I just went there to play. I couldn't prepare," Henry emphasized, according to Lent.az, citing foreign media.
Henry criticized the governing bodies for not directly engaging with the players who have to work under the most demanding schedules. "For me, it's very simple. It's not about complaining, saying that players earn a lot, and discussions."
According to Henry, he is talking about having an enlightening conversation with the real player union, not with former players: "UEFA, don't call me. FIFA, don't call me. I don't play anymore. I don't know how it is, so talk to Virgil van Dijk, talk to Mohamed Salah... Talk to them. Discuss with them."
Henry also noted the increasing number of competitions, which is making the situation even worse. "As a fan, I'm tired. I didn't watch the Club World Cup. Let's be fair, it's too much."
