MONTH Ramadan has arrived. His arrival was warmly welcomed by followers of the Islamic religion around the world. Several Muslim converts also welcomed this month full of grace with joy.
Even though they have not embraced Islam since childhood, they are obedient to the teachings of the religion brought by the Prophet Muhammad. Well, here are five stories of converting footballers to fasting during Ramadan:
5. Paul Pogba
This list will start with Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba. Even though he was born into an Islamic family, the player from France only converted to Islam as an adult.
Welcoming Ramadan 1443 H, Pogba also uploaded a short message via his Instagram, @paulpogba. He wished a happy fasting worship to all Muslims in the world.
“Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslim brothers and sisters,” Pogba wrote.
4. Franck Ribery
Salernitana player, Franck Ribery, is known as a devout Muslim. He was called a convert to Islam in 2002 while playing for the French League’s second tier club, Ales.
As a Muslim, Ribery welcomes Ramadan with joy. That was shown by Ribery on his instagram, @franckribery7.
“Ramadan Mubarak to you my brother, may Allah accept our fasting and prayers,” he wrote.
3. Diego Michiels
Next, there is the name of a player of Indonesian-Dutch descent, Diego Michiels. Diego was naturalized on August 3, 2011. Diego decided to convert to Islam two years after being naturalized.
Diego said two sentences of creed at the Central Jakarta District Court, Thursday, February 7, 2013. The sacred moment occurred when Diego was in trouble with the police. Well, on the first day of Ramadan, Diego was known to break his fast with the President of Borneo FC, Nabil Husein.
2. Markus Horizon
The second position is occupied by former Indonesian national team goalkeeper, Markus Horison. Since embracing Islam in 2004, he changed his name to Muhammad Haris Maulana. Welcoming Ramadan this year, Markus sent a message to his followers on Instagram.
“Happy fasting worship 1443 H. Marhaban ya Ramadhan. Sorry to be born & Inner,” wrote Mark on his Instagram, @markoeshorison81.
1. Christian Gonzales
The first position in this list comes from domestic football, namely Cristian Gonzales. The name of the Uruguayan-blooded man became popular when he defended Persik Kediri and Persib Bandung.
After a long career in Indonesia, Gonzales became an Indonesian citizen (WNI) in 2010. Gonzales defended the Indonesian national team in the 2010 AFF Cup. The Uruguayan-blooded player helped the Indonesian national team become runner-up in the 2010 AFF Cup.
Before getting Indonesian citizenship, Gonzales had already converted to Islam in 2003. Gonzales is known to be quite obedient to Islamic rules, one of which is fasting.
On the first day of fasting this year, Gonzales broke his fast with his family. He also uploaded the moment to his Instagram, @el_locogoliadorcg10_.
