Yacine Bezaz to Echorok: Ramadan is most important than my professional career

The Algerian international Yacine Bezaz has recently signed to the French club Troyes after playing for many years in various other clubs including, Valencienne, Ajaccio and Strasbourg. He gives an utmost priority to the holy month of Ramadan ( fasting period for the Muslims) considering it most important than football.

• Echourok: Do you remember the first fasting day ?
• Bezzaz: Not exactly but I think I was 8.
• Echourok: When did you start doing fasting completely?
• Bezzaz: I was 11 then, it was the good old days.
• Echourok: Are there difference in the rituals between France and Algeria?
• Bezzaz: It’s clear that there is a big difference between doing fasting in Algeria and abroad, but as we are concerned we try to keep the same spirit and respect the prayers’ timetable.
• Echourok: Is it tougher for you now that you have left Strasbourg for Troyes?
• Bezzaz: I have spent beautiful days in Strasbourg and Valencienne where there is a big Algerian community, you don’t feel yourself leaving abroad and the mosques are full as if you are I one of the Algerian compounds.
• Echourok: Does it mean things will be different this year in Troyes?
• Bezzaz: I don’t think so, because there are many Algerians though not as many as in Strasbourg, I think that there are three or four mosques in Troyes and this will help me perform the late prayers.
• Echourok: Have you ever met problems with fasting during your professional career?
• Bezzaz: Thanks God never over 8 years practicing here in France; most of the French coaches respect the Islamic principles; moreover, there are many Muslim footballers who respect the ritual.
•  Echourok: Maybe you will be forced to eat during the competition day?
• Bezzaz: I have never done it in the past because I believe that my religious duty comes before football and I’ll be rewarded for the suffering.
• Echourok: What’s your favourite meal?
• Bezzaz: Like the majority of the Algerians I would say “ Chorba” .. I a big quantity with me .
• Echourok: But life is easier for you after your marriage isn’t ?
• Bezzaz: I feel at rest now that I’m married and have a boy; I think that this year’s Ramadan will be wonderful and wish all the best for the Islamic nation .