Millions of Muslims around the world celebrated Eid al-Adha on Tuesday evening and a host of high-profile footballers, including Paul Pogba and Mesut Ozil, took to Twitter to wish their followers on the auspicious day that is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice.
Pogba, who recently lifted the World Cup with France, posted this:
The Frenchman is in the eye of a storm after his agent, Mino Raiola, dared club Manchester United to put his client on the transfer list before the August 31 deadline.
Speculation over his future continues to mount, especially with the player himself unwilling to pledge his allegiance to the Red Devils.
Arsenal midfielder Ozil too took to Twitter:
Ozil is another footballer who’s been making the headlines for the wrong reasons of late. He announced his shock retirement from international football on the back of Germany’s disastrous World Cup campaign, citing racism in as one of the chief reasons behind his move.
Arsenal fans hoped the 29-year-old would turn turn on the style for club, but after two games, that’s not been the case and new manager Unai Emery is reportedly on the verge of dropping the talented midfielder from his XI.
Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri wished his followers:
Shaqiri’s struggled for game time following his summer move from Stoke City to Liverpool, with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah ahead of him in the pecking order.
The Swiss forward is content with playing the waiting game, however, as Jurgen Klopp’s men are expected to compete for trophies on four fronts and sooner, rather than later, he will get his chance to impress.
Benjamin Mendy’s been among the standout performers in the Premier League so far and he posted this:
Considering his uproarious tweets, the post may seem a little sedate but perhaps Pep Guardiola’s warning to limit his social media interaction is the best explainer.
Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema’s post:
Arguably the most famous Muslim footballer of all is Liverpool’s talisman Mohamed Salah and the Egyptian posted this in Arabic:
When translated, the tweet reads: “Happy Eid to all.”
Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko, who scored a sensational goal on the weekend for Roma, posted:
Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery wasn’t one to be left behind:
Almost every major club, from Manchester United to Real Madrid to Juventus, took to Twitter to wish their followers on the