John Terry weighs in on player strike debate as Chelsea legend clarifies his thoughts on revamped Club World Cup

Chelsea legend John Terry has insisted his players want to take part in the Club World Cup as debate intensifies over football’s increasingly hectic schedule.

Ballon d’Or favourite Rodri echoed Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson’s criticism on Tuesday, revealing that world stars are considering a strike amid an ever-lengthening fixture list.

The Manchester City midfielder expressed optimism about players being treated like commodities and admitted that the lack of rest is a concern for the professionals and is becoming a constant topic of conversation in the dressing room.

Pep Guardiola’s side begin their Champions League campaign against Inter on Wednesday and could play a total of 73 games this season as they are taking part in the new Club World Cup, which is not expected to end until July.

Chelsea will also take part in the revamped 32-team Club World Cup, which will run from June 15 to July 13, 2025, and will see the best of the best compete for the title in the States.

A revised version of the tournament with an expanded format will take place next summer.

And Terry, who is currently working with the Chelsea Academy, says the Blues players are excited to go there and hope to win the title.

Terry said in an interview with FIFA: “I have been asked that a few times. As a player, [it’s] like: “Are you really interested in the [FIFA Club World Cup]?’ You definitely do.

“So we will be 100% prepared as a football club to go there and try to win it. And of course there are some really top-class teams there as well, but from a player’s point of view it has become so clear to my generation and the generation after me that it doesn’t really matter.

“That’s right, that’s 100% important. So as a football club we’re excited and delighted to be involved and we’ll come and bring our best players and our best squad and give it our best chance because I think that’s what the fans want to see.

“In these big competitions you get one chance, two if you’re lucky, maybe three or four if you [Cristiano] Ronaldo or [Lionel] Messi, you have a lot of opportunities. But I think for the average player, these opportunities don’t come that often and I think it’s important to take advantage of them.

“So when those opportunities come along – that’s what I’m saying from Chelsea’s perspective, an opportunity to win a trophy and compete with the best. I think even for Chelsea’s current situation, that’s really good news that we would like, it’s an opportunity to win another trophy.

Rodri revealed that top players are considering a strike due to calendar concerns

“From our point of view, the teams from the South American countries play really exciting football and have some really talented players.

“So it’s also a showcase for these guys to showcase themselves for teams like Real Madrid, Chelsea and many other teams in the Premier League and the top leagues around the world. So these guys are here to showcase themselves as well, which makes it even more exciting.”

Due to an “overburdened and unworkable” schedule, the PFA is currently preparing legal action against FIFA.