DANGO Ouattara has detailed the support he received from Cherries whilst he fasted during Ramadan, stating: “Bournemouth is special, everybody here helps me.”

Muslims around the world observed Ramadan over the last few weeks, where followers of Islam fast between sunrise and sunset for a period of 29 to 30 days.

The period ended on Tuesday, with Muslims marking the end of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr.

During Ramadan, Ouattara had to break his fast during a match, observing Iftar minutes into AFC Bournemouth’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Tuesday, April 2.

Prior to the midweek round of fixtures, the Premier League advised clubs that if required there would be a “short pause” to allow Muslim players to break their fast.

The Burkina Faso international shared his gratitude to the club for their help.

Ouattara told The Times: “It’s not easy for everyone, but one adapts.

“It hasn’t been complicated to play during Ramadan.

“I have a club chef who comes to my house and cooks for me after Iftar, and he also comes to cook my breakfast.

“He gives me proteins and anything else I need for my fast.

“I don’t know about other clubs, but Bournemouth is special, everybody here helps me.”

“Last year and this year has been easy for me.

“Even though I haven’t started many games, everyone understands what I have to do. They all help me to give me the best possible way to observe Ramadan.”

Ouattara went on to share how he had gotten used to playing whilst fasting, stating that it “got easier” every year.

“I find it more of a mental challenge than a physical one,” he continued.

“It’s hard to think that I’m not eating but I have to get on with it, try to push through and think that what I’m doing is for the good of my faith.

“I’ve been fasting during Ramadan for many years. It’s an annual routine, and training and performing in matches hasn’t been a problem.

“It gets easier every year and I don’t feel like I struggle or worry about being hungry.

“I can keep at the same levels of performance because I’ve been doing it for quite a while and I’m used to it now.”