Declan Rice opens up on obscene calendar amid World Cup
Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice has labeled the modern football calendar as “obscene” but insists that the ecstasy of winning major silverware makes the physical sacrifice worthwhile.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has spoken out against the relentless football calendar, describing the fixture pile-up as containing an obscene number of games. Speaking from England’s 2026 World Cup camp, the 27-year-old revealed he has been managing hamstring nerve pain since Christmas.
Despite the intense physical toll, Rice emphasized that players must endure the demanding schedule without complaint.
The defensive midfielder justified the immense workload by pointing to the ultimate reward of capturing elite silverware. Rice noted that achieving monumental milestones, such as winning his recent Premier League title with Arsenal, makes putting his body on the line entirely worthwhile.
Driven by international ambitions under Thomas Tuchel, he remains fully prepared to sacrifice his physical well-being to achieve World Cup glory.
