Alan Shearer pulled no punches as he fired back at Virgil van Dijk's claims that footballers are playing too many games.
The Liverpool star hit out at the schedule in England ahead of the Netherlands' Euro 2024 qualifiers against France and Greece.
"In England we believe the schedules are too busy," he said. "The players are getting paid well but it should never come at the cost of our health.
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"We keep having to play more and more games. We as players should start saying something about it, contribute to a solution."
Asked whether he would be prepared to give up 10 per cent of his salary if he were to play less games, Van Dijk replied: "No."
He continued: "I don't think having to play less games depends on my salary?"
It's not the first time a high-profile player has raised concerns over fixture congestion as Raphael Varane released a strongly-worded statement ahead of the new season.
But Varane and Van Dijk's claims have not gone down well with Shearer, who responded to the Dutchman.
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Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, he said: "Nonsense. Nonsense. Players are playing too much football? What? I mean come on.
"I know you should never mention the money, but you've got bigger squads than ever, more substitutes than ever, getting paid more money than ever, you've got the best physios, the best technology, the best of everything."
The Newcastle United legend added: "Do me a favour, playing too much football? F**king hell.
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"Didn't he say it was England that play too much football? International football I get and understand.
"We all know why they're doing it, they're doing it for financial reasons. But here in England, you can tell I don't really agree with that."
Van Dijk is set to play his fourth game for the Netherlands this campaign, having already featured in seven games for Liverpool this season.
Who do you agree with over the fixture row? Let us know.
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Topics: Alan Shearer, Virgil Van Dijk, Football, Liverpool
Nasir Jabbar