Gareth Bale slams 'crazy' schedule and says 'something has to change'

Gareth Bale has criticised the 'crazy' schedule, saying it is wrong that Kevin De Bruyne could potentially play close to 80 games next season.

Bale's Wales face De Bruyne's Belgium in the Nations League on Saturday and player protection has been a topic of discussion in the Welsh camp.

'Someone mentioned on the table at lunch that Kevin De Bruyne could play 79 games next season and have a three-week break,' Bale said. 'It is too much.. Things obviously need to change.

'I think every player will tell you there are way too many games - it is impossible to play at a high level for that amount of games and 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. People at the top of the game have to do something but, unfortunately, money comes into it.'

De Bruyne could play 63 games across four competitions for Manchester City, as well as the Community Shield, while also representing Belgium in Nations League matches, European Championship qualifiers and the 2022 World Cup.

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'For player welfare, money needs to be overlooked and you need to look after the players because without the players, there's no product,' Bale added.

Bale is a free agent after leaving Real Madrid and rejected rumours that his next club would have to give him special treatment. 

'I don't just sit at home doing nothing,' said the 32-year-old. 'I pretty much train every day. Once I get back into playing regular football, my body will get more robust and a bit better, rather than in and out.' 

He said he is not close to choosing a club, but did say he will not be signing for Getafe,