FOOTBALL: Figo fear over star burn-out

LUIS FIGO believes the pressures of modern football are destroying the game's biggest stars.

The Real Madrid midfielder, poised to face England at Villa Park on Saturday, fears for the future of the game unless steps are taken to protect players from the threat of burn-out.

"There has never been greater pressure on players to succeed," said Figo. "Even though clubs will argue they have large squads to cope with the growing number of games, if you're a big star you're expected to play in most of the games.

"The pressure doesn't just come from the clubs, but sponsors and fans who demand value for money. But it's counter-productive if you're getting no time to rest."

Figo claims players such as England's David Beckham and Michael Owen, who both struggled with injury at the World Cup finals, will be lucky if they are still playing at 30 unless steps are taken to protect their talent.

Figo said: "Most players want to play in the big games and competitions and sometimes they ignore the advice of their body.

"I wasn't at my best at the World Cup - maybe it would have been better if I'd not played. And Beckham was struggling with his foot.

"If it's clear you're not fit to play, you shouldn't. But sometimes it's overlooked because of the financial implications.

"And that shouldn't happen. In the end it's counter productive because by the time you reach 30 your body's crumbling under the strain and they way things are going you'll be lucky to play beyond that age."

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