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Manchester City midfielder Rodri has suggested the players are "close" to strike over concerns about their job growth. The Spanish midfielder made 63 appearances for club and country last season during a campaign that does not end until the Euro 2024 final on July 14. They face even more games this season with City competing in the expanded Champions League and the Club World Cup, which starts in June. Asked about the possibility that the busy schedule could lead to a players' strike, Rodri said: "I think we are close to that, it is easy to understand. I think it's something general. I think if you ask any player he will say the same, it is not the opinion of Rodri or whatever. "I think it's the general opinion of the players. And if it keeps this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option, I really think but let's see. "I don't know what's going to happen, but it's something that worries us because we are the guys th...

  Former Italian striker Salvatore "Toto" Schillaci, famous as the top scorer of the 1990 World Cup, died on Wednesday at the age of 59. Juventus are among the Italian football clubs who have paid tribute to Schillaci, who became an icon for his surprise goals during the World Cup at home in his country, saying only "Ciao Toto" on social media media with a photo of him wearing a Juve shirt. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has announced that all matches played in Italy between now and the end of next weekend will benefit from a "minute of reflection" before kick-off."His goal celebrations, in which his face became a symbol of collective joy, will forever remain an integral part of Italian football's heritage,"  FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said in a statement.Toto Schillaci played for Juventus and Inter after starting his career in the early 1980s in Messina and enjoyed modest success at club level.His best club season came just bef...

 Real Madrid have a set of footballers representing their national teams at the World Cup. Some are doing amazing job whilst others might now not be having as true of a tournament. One participant who appears to be struggling at the moment is Eden Hazard, who is captaining the Belgium team, and they are in danger of being knocked out from the tournament itself. It is honest to say that Belgium had not been one of the favourites going into this World Cup, as had been the case in previous times. But even then, no one may have expected them to appear this off colour. They appear behind pace against Canada and escaped with a 1-0 win on that occasion. That did not manifest against Morocco though, who defeated the Red Devils with  a 2-0 scoreline. It means that they now have to ultimately win their last group stage game, against Croatia, to qualify for the next round. Hazard has barely played for Real Madrid leading up to the tournament. And whilst he has commenced both games for Be...