Most players, it is said, would do anything to win a Champions League, but not Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah, who has confirmed he will continue to observe the Ramadan fast ahead of their clash against Real Madrid at Kiev on Saturday.
Ramadan - which began on May 16 - is a month-long period of fasting which obliges Muslims to abstain from eating, drinking and sex, amongst other things, during daylight hours.
According to Egyptian media outlet Al Masry, the 25-year-old has insisted that he will not break the fast in the lead-up to the showpiece match on Sunday and has assured fans the fast will have little impact on his on-field performance.
In addition, sources close to the player have revealed that the Premier League Player of the Season will sacrifice three calves leading up to the match to bless him.
It comes as the practices of Ramadan have come under fire with Leganes winger Nabil El Zhar claiming that fasting has often benefitted his performances as he feels 'cleaner on the inside'.
However, nutritionist Jesus Munoz has rebuked such claims, saying: "Even though they feel cleaner, they are less prepared for physical exercise."
"If he (Salah) perfectly fulfills Ramadan, his performance will be affected."
Mujtaba_Omar
184
UCL Final in Ukraine will start at 9:45 pm, while fast will end at 8:50pm ... So, he will surely eat some stuff for quick energy before the match...👍👍👍
bailorjalloh
151
it does not mean salah can win the trophy because he is fasting. it because he know that the command of Allah is powerful than artificial thing if he wins the trophy am skips the fast it means satisfying man instead of the c creator of man.do you think he will do that... no may Allah guide and protect you salah. whether win or not................
Shehusa
138
Respect Salah but he needs to eat something to stay physical fit. Fasting and staying at home is not that hard but you are going to work hard for 90+ minutes on the pitch. Im concerned about your health. be prepared and make us proud
Ramziboukoullab
114
am not professional but I used to play every Ramadan while fasting
Janlmopty
106
Ramadan Mubarak my brother in ISLAM No matter how victory comes to you nd your team mates
Japcmnrs
67
is not a sin not to fast, fasting should be a personal thing not a must,its between u and God.this most important thing is how u relate with god.not just trying to make people think u know God when u do all sort of bad things
Sirhan
53
I remember playing football tournaments in school while I was fasting and it didn't affect my performance at all, I wish salah all the best and inshaAllah he will win UCL
pahbdimuy
51
football is a physical sport which needs energy, you can't run away from that,its obvious he will be slightly weak against Madrid which is not good
bchowdhury96
51
a great mind thinks alike ...and salha the man thinks so...god bless him and also Liverpool ynwa
zatabcdeis
49
his performance will not be affected as Allah is with him. Allah will help M. Salah to retain the game and will win the UEFA Champions League
Jenckmopyz
47
insallah M Salah win insallah
Mozdelopsu
43
There are a lot of misconceptions about fasting. For instance; 'you can't swallow your saliva' etc. Of course you CAN swallow your own saliva. Islam is not a forceful religion and there is no compulsion in Islam either. I pray Muhammed Salah shows the world in the final.
nobs46
41
match will be played after the fast is over 1 or 2 hour after iftar(breaking of fast is called iftar)........so he can hydrate himself and eat fruit and he will be cleam from inside......no excuses after finals plzzzzzz
kondwaniInza10
37
Thats a sign of a great man,put God first,respect for you Mo Salah.This shows that you don't only play with energy,but with faith also.#RESPECT4MOSALAH👊
lopacdkn
25
It's not strange or new to participate in a football tournament as field player when fasting or during Ramadan. It has happening many times. It doest not take anything away from the player, infact if anything it brings luck and favour from God. Expect fireworks from Mo.
ShoaibKhattak
24
Nothing will happen to him. Good thinking of fasting during a game it will strengthen ur stamina. I salute u by this decision. I'll definitely pray fr u to win the CL. Best of luck......