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7 EPL stars you never knew were Muslims, number 2 will definitely shock you
The Premier League is undoubtedly the most followed league in the world showcasing unrivalled glamour, suspense and thrills. No wonder it is attracting the very best football talents from across the globe possessing contrasting beliefs and ideology.
However, never a time has the English top-flight had more Muslim players than the current 2016/17 season with about 40.
Below are seven EPL stars you never knew were devout Muslims:
1 – Mesut Ozil:
Arsenal superstar, Mesut Ozil, is probably the most talented midfielder in the Premier League but nonetheless, the playmaker never allows the game interfere with his faith.
The Germany international recites from the Quran before and after matches as well as observing the Ramadan fast just like other Muslims.
“I always do that before I go out [on the pitch]. I pray and my teammates know that they cannot talk to me during this brief period,” the 27-year-old told Der Tagesspiegel.”
Ozil praying before a match
2 – Paul Pogba
The world’s most expensive signing, Paul Pogba, is another practising Muslim playing in the Premier League. The Frenchman was introduced to the faith by his mother, Yeo Moriba, who he describes as his “inspiration”.
Pogba recently took to Instagram to wish his millions of followers a happy Ramadan fast. “Happy Ramadan to all my brothers and sisters,” the Guinea-born French International wrote.
Pogba inside a mosque
A photo posted by Paul Labile Pogba (@paulpogba) on
3 – Emre Can:
Just like Ozil, Emre Can is also another German international of Turkish decent. Can, 22, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in 2014 has so far made over 60 appearances. The Reds midfielder never goes into any game without praying and reciting from the Holy Quran.
Emre Can praying before a Liverpool match
4 – Xherdan Shaqiri:
Xherdan Shaqiri is among very few practising Muslims who still celebrate Christmas due to his family. However, this doesn’t stop the Switzerland international from fulfilling his duties as a Muslim.
“I’m a Muslim,” the Stoke City forward said in 2014 when asked about Christmas. “So we don’t celebrate it so much, but my little sister loves to have a Christmas tree, so we always get one of those.”
Xherdan Shaqiri praying before a match
5 – Marouane Fellaini:
Manchester United midfielder, Marouane Fellaini, is another devout Muslim in the Premier League. The 28-year-old Belgian born to Moroccan parents, claims his strong belief carries him through and strongly kicks against religious intolerance.
“For me, the first thing is for peace. That is the first thing. Everyone has to be happy, you know? And enjoy their life and stop thinking about bad things because we live just once.”
Marouane Fellaini of Manchester United
6 – Shkodran Mustafi:
For Arsenal defender, Shkodran Mustafi, being a Muslim supersedes everything. His deeply–held faith has helped him become an instant hit among the Gunner fans following his £35m move from Valencia in the summer.
“Being a Muslim is very important to me, more important than anything, although sometimes travel makes it difficult for me to always pray when I want to,” said the German defender who prays five times daily.”
Shkodran Mustafi praying during match
7 – Granit Xhaka:
Granit Xhaka is another player who moved to Arsenal during the summer. Just like Mustafi, Xhaka is born to Albanian parents but chose to represent Switzerland.
He also shares the same religious belief with his Arsenal teammate as they are both proud Muslims.
Granit Xhaka of Arsenal
This article was first published here.