29 May 2017
By NADA HAMEED

JEDDAH: French player Paul Pogba, Manchester United’s star footballer, is visiting Saudi Arabia during the holy month of Ramadan to perform Umrah. He arrived on Saturday, just three days after lifting Manchester to a Europa League victory over AFC Ajax in Stockholm.

Millions of Muslims observe Ramadan with intense prayer, Duaa, fasting and good deeds. The holy month last for about a month and is followed by the festive Eid celebrations.

Pogba posted a video on Instagram of him twirling his luggage outside his home in Manchester, telling his followers: “on my way to go say thank you for this season. See you soon Manchester! En route to my prayers.”

The 24-year-old Muslim was praising Allah in Makkah in a video that went viral on his Facebook page and Instagram account, where he was performing Umrah wearing ihram while (Tarawih) in prayer.

Tarawih refers to extra prayers performed by Sunni Muslims at night during Ramadan.

He commented below his Instagram post, “Ramadan Kareem, Bon Ramadan #makkah #blessed.”

This was not his first time to visit Makkah. He had previously performed Haj. Haj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah.

Some of Umrah performers were lucky enough to spot him in the crowd and stopped to take selfies with him.

Many people reacted positively to his posts on social media because he was a celebrity not only focusing on the worldly wealth, but who also remains aware of his religious duties as a Muslim.

Internationally, at under-20 level, he captained his nation to victory at the 2013 FIFA World Cup and took home the Best Player award for his performances during the tournament.

He made his debut for the senior French national team in 2013 in a 3–1 win against Georgia, and scored his first World Cup goal on June 30, 2014, against Nigeria.

© Arab News 2017