By: Amro Hassan from London Egypt striker Ahmed Hossam "Mido" is one of Premiership's several Muslim players, who face an additional task during the fasting month of Ramadan. Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset for the whole month. Some players admit they never fast because it would be too difficult for them to fulfil their professional duties in a physical competition like the Premiership while fasting. Middlesbrough's new star has been plying his trade in Europe since 2000, but he insists that living abroad never changed his Ramadan religious customs. "I've never had any problems with Ramadan. It's not as difficult as people here in England think, after the first few days your body adapts," Mido told The Guardian. All Premiership clubs including Middlesbrough deploy a daily double training-session system with both sessions held before 4 pm. Fast-breaking time in Britain during this year's Ramadan varies between 7:30 pm and 6:30 pm throughout the whole month. "I try my best and it's never a problem fasting during training days. However, I don't do it on the day of games." Being a Muslim previously subjected Mido to a number of racist enchants from opposition fans during his time in England, with the latest abuse coming from Newcastle fans during the Teesside derby on August 26th. They chanted "Mido got a bomb," prompting the volatile marksman to put his finger on his mouth, ordering them to shut up after netting for his side. Although his strong reaction that cost him a caution during the game, the former Ajax and Roma striker said that his game is never affected by such acts. "Football has only one language and no religion so it brings people together, it can do a lot of good," he said. "My career has not only taught me how to fit into different teams as a player but into different countries as a person."
"Shut up," Mido tells racists Growing Up Middlesbrough is Mido's sixth club in six years, during which he made headlines with his repeated bust-ups with coaches and teammates (once throwing a pair of scissors at former Ajax striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic). Mido argues that he is now a much reformed character than he was few years ago. "I still believe it's healthy to have people in the dressing room who express their opinions and I won't be afraid to do it again, but I've definitely changed," he explained. "I've made mistakes and I've got regrets but I've learnt from those mistakes. I've become a person and a footballer who is willing to accept responsibilities." The 24-year-old international, who joined Middlesbrough from Tottenham, said also he is very happy with life in the North of England, especially after being already a fans' favourite at Teesside after scoring twice in his first four games. "People in London told me that the North East was horrible and painted a picture that was really bad," recalled Mido. "But I'm pleased I didn't listen. I'm very happy here. Middlesbrough's a very good club, the local people are nice and I'm looking to stay for a long time." Bright Future Despite lying 12th in the Premiership table, Mido is very optimistic about Middlesbrough's future and asks for patience till the new players and young ones adjust. He believes coach Gareth Southgate and players like Stewart Downing, Julio Arca and Fabio Rochemback can help the club go further places. "In terms of the way we try to play football, of our passing style, I think we are already one of the best teams in the Premier League," bragged Mido. "It's fantastic that we have so many guys who can really play, guys like Julio and Fabio." After spending last season as a fourth choice striker under the management of Martin Jol at Tottenham, Mido still had sympathy for the Dutch tactici
