Arsenal‘s longest-serving player, Mohamed Elneny, is observing Ramadan while maintaining his fitness for the club’s Premier League title push, something he says his teammates are very curious about.
In a recent interview, Mohamed Elneny was keen to emphasise the compatibility of his faith with his demanding profession, how he prioritises mental training and the spiritual strength Ramadan grants him. While his teammates express concern about his lack of food and water intake, Elneny feels empowered by his dedication.
“They ask me so many questions. ‘Mo, when can you drink? When can you eat food?’ For them, it doesn’t make any sense to train without drink or food. But it’s something in my head that I want to do,” Elneny told Arab News. “If you want to do something you are going to find a way to do it. You just train your mind.
“Actually, I feel more strong in Ramadan because we do Ramadan for God and when you do something for God the reward will be big. He will not make you feel tired. He gives you power.
“Today, for example, in training the players were asking: ‘Are you fasting?’ I was running around like normal. The way I train and the power God gives me, you would think I’m not fasting.
“You don’t think about the food or the drink. You focus on the Qur’an and praying, how life is happening, how the sky is beautiful and you think about the poor people. Those who don’t have food or money,” Elneny said.
“If a poor person comes to you now of course you give to them because you know how starving and thirsty they are. You need to feel this. That is why it is great to have Ramadan. You learn how to look after people.”
Gratitude for club support
Elneny is thankful for the support he receives from manager Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal staff. Unlike previous coaches who questioned his commitment due to Ramadan, Arteta and the team’s nutritionists and doctors actively support him. They provide him with supplements and protein drinks to ensure he stays hydrated during the holy month.
“I used to do Ramadan in Switzerland when I played there and some coaches would ask if I can maybe do half of Ramadan or some days on and some not. Mikel completely supports me and so do all the nutritionists and doctors at Arsenal. They are happy for me to do it,” he said.
“The nutritionist, for example, gives me supplements and protein drinks to have during the night so I will not dehydrate because my body needs water. The doctors support me too. I have to say thank you for this.”
The importance of teamwork
Despite limited playing time this season, Elneny is still focussed on the team’s success. He directs his attention to supporting his teammates and coach, believing a strong team spirit is more valuable than individual talent. He’s content with his role, even if it means not always being on the pitch.
“I want to play all the time. I don’t want to miss one game. But the way I am, in my mind and my heart, I don’t think about myself, I only think about how I am going to support my teammates and my coach and how I am going to give everything I have to the team,” he said.
“I love to give. I have been the same since the first day I played football.
“I know that to have people like this in the squad helps the team. It gives energy and makes the team strong. I always believe that it is much better to have a good team than to have good individual players. That comes from the players who don’t play and who still give energy to the players who do play. I’m happy to play this role.
“Whether I play or I don’t play, I leave it to Mikel. When I am at the training ground I don’t want to give Mikel a headache, I want him to focus on the team. We are here to support each other, not to think about ourselves. I’m a team player.”
National team pride
Elneny remains dedicated to the Egyptian national team, boasting over 100 caps and aiming for a few more years of international call-ups. Despite the setback of the recent AFCON, where Egypt was knocked out at the last-16 stage, he is looking forward to competing in future tournaments, particularly eyeing the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
“I have 101 caps but I have six or seven years to go with Egypt. I am still young!” he said. “I love the national team, and I am so proud to play with them. It is a great feeling when you represent your country. We are 110 million people in Egypt. Can you imagine being one of the best 11?”
An integral part of Arsenal
Throughout his time at Arsenal, Elneny has become much more than just a player; he’s woven himself into the fabric of the club, embodying its values and spirit. His dedication to both his faith and football, combined with his unwavering team spirit, has earned him immense respect within the Arsenal community. Recently, he was given the honor of inaugurating the club’s multi-faith players’ prayer room at the Emirates Stadium, emphasising his significance to the team beyond just his contributions on the field.
“That’s why I love this club,” he expressed. “They have always looked after me. I never feel like I am away from Egypt or away from my family. Arsenal is like a family. I’m really happy I came to this football club because it’s a big part of my life.”
Looking to the future
Elneny has ambitions beyond his playing career. He recently obtained his UEFA B coaching license and has established his own football club, Elneny FC, with aspirations of reaching the Premier League someday. He hopes to incorporate players from Egypt and other Arab countries while also developing English talent.
Mohamed Elneny’s story at Arsenal is a profound reminder of the impact a player can have off the pitch as well as on it. His faith, commitment to the team, and aspirations for the future highlight a player who is not only integral to the squad’s dynamics but also deeply connected to the wider football community. As Arsenal continues to fight for the Premier League title, Elneny’s role—whether as a player, a teammate, or a source of inspiration—remains invaluable.