English Professional Footballers' Association chairman Gordon Taylor has defended the huge wages received by some of his members.
A report in today's News of the World published a list of the top earners in the Premiership, with at least 10 players said to be earning in excess of £50,000 a week.
Frank Lampard, Patrick Vieira and Sol Campbell all top the table, each earning a massive £99,000 a week according the the report.
However, in an interview with the same newspaper, Taylor said: "You can't blame players for wanting the best wages when they are the ones making their clubs successful."
"They do not have a long career and have to make the most of it while they can. They will be performing for their country and their clubs in a high-pressure environment and are expected to deliver week in, week out."
"The fact is, these wages are paid by the clubs in the demand for success and the game has never enjoyed as much income from gate receipts, television and sponsorship," he added.
"If the game is hoping to try and attract the best players from all over the world, it is inevitable they must offer the best pay deals. It is up to clubs to balance budgets and it is only fair that players should share in the income the game is getting."
