GIVE US A BREAK
Bale’s call for football bosses to put player welfare ahead of money
WALES talisman Gareth Bale has called on football’s governing bodies to prioritise player welfare above making money.
The 32-year-old warned there would be consequences if the congested football calendar seen in 2022 continues.
Bale, who is a free agent after being released by Real Madrid, added he is looking for regular club football next season to prepare for the World Cup.
“They need to look after players, without the players there is no product,” said Bale.
“There will be consequences in the long term, people’s bodies can’t deal with that kind of calendar year after year.
“Something has to change, the people at the top of the game have to do something, but unfortunately money comes into it.
“It’s a business at the end of the day, but for player welfare the money needs to be overlooked.”
In May, Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne was critical of the scheduling of international fixtures so soon after the end of the club season, and described the Nations League as “unimportant”.
Bale called for the number of games to be reduced to help protect players. “Someone mentioned to me over lunch the other day that Kevin de Bruyne could play 79 [games] next season after just a three-week break,” he said. “It’s too much, things obviously need to change, every player will tell you there are way too many games.
“It’s impossible to play at a high level for that amount of games.”
There has been much speculation surrounding Bale’s future at club level, including links to hometown club Cardiff City.
The wide man says he has not had talks with any clubs to date, but is simply looking for regular game time to put him in the best shape for the World Cup.
“I just need to play games and I’ll be good to go [in Qatar],” Bale added.
“I think once I get back into playing regular football my body will get more robust, rather than being in and out.
“It’s difficult when you’re in and out of a team to get a rhythm in terms of your fitness and health.
“You want to play to get that fitness for the World Cup and help the club you’re at, so wherever I go it will be a win-win because I’ll be playing and hopefully playing well while getting ready for the World Cup.”