Ramadan is for rest days, says Ghezzal

Abdelkader Ghezzal celebrated the start of Ramadan, his religion's holy month of fasting, with a goal in Siena's 2-1 home defeat to Milan last weekend but then admitted he would not be able to fulfill his Muslim obligations.

During the month of Ramadan, practising Muslims fast between daylight hours, abstaining not only from food but also drink, including water.

Such a practice is made that much tougher in the summer months in Europe when the days are longer than in Arabia and humidity as well as temperature creeps up.

Much of Italy is currently experiencing very high temperatures while sunrise is at around 6.30 a.m. and sunset not until around 8 p.m.

That means a Muslim would have to fast for more than 13 hours and for a professional sportsman that challenge becomes even harder.

And Ghezzal, who was born in France to Algerian parents but plays his international football for the African country, admitted that for him it simply would not be possible to play to his maximum potential if he were to observe Ramadan.

"I observe the fast during my days off, when there are no games or training," he revealed.

"I've always observed Ramadan but I have had to change my habits for health reasons from the first year that I became a professional.

"I was at Crotone (then in Serie C1 but now in Serie B) but after two weeks I felt ill and had to stop."

Despite eating and drinking normally during Ramadan, Ghezzal insists he is not a fairweather Muslim.

"Playing football is a way to earn a living. You're not asked to make yourself ill but to observe the fast if the conditions are right," he added.

Some players such as Arsenal's Samir Nasri and Manchester City's Kolo Toure have also previously admitted to not observing Ramadan if it falls during the football season.

However, others such as Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka and Momo Sissoko, of Juventus, do continue to fast despite the demands of playing.

Inter's Ghanaian Sulley Muntari is also Muslim. He was substituted in Sunday's draw with Bari and coach Jose Mourinho explained that in his view.

"Muntari had some problems related to Ramadan - perhaps with this heat it's not good for him to be doing this (fasting).

"Ramadan has not arrived at the ideal moment for a player to play a football match," opined Mourinho.