Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny is kicking off Ramadan by spearheading the opening of the club's multi-faith prayer room at Emirates Stadium.
The 31-year-old Egyptian midfielder is following up on a fan effort a decade ago, establishing a supporters' prayer room at North London venue.
“I am so proud to have opened our player prayer room at Emirates Stadium. Having this space to contemplate and pray will change the lives of future Arsenal players. I am really grateful to the staff and everyone involved in making this happen,” wrote Elneny on X.
He cut the grand entrance ribbon that allowed access to the prayer room for the first time.
The Premier League continues to show accommodation for the players' faith, particularly during the month of Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Other notable Muslim players in the EPL today include Elneny's Gunners teammate Thomas Partey and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
In 2021, the EPL established protocols allowing Muslim players to break their fast during matches, an agreement first implemented in 2021. The gesture allows for pauses in play, such as during goal-kick stoppages, for players to hydrate if they are fasting.
Photo: Instagram/elnennym
