It may be the scourge of club managers around the world, but international football is and remains the pinnacle for many footballers.
So, while the likes of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who recently branded the UEFA Nations League "the most senseless competition in the world", look at the international calendar with frustration, many players still take immense pride in representing their country.
The reason for the opprobrium expressed towards the international game is largely down to the fact that professional players, particularly those in the top leagues, already have packed schedules to fulfill, with games in the league, cup and, for some, continental competitions to partake in.