Tokyo Verdy Supports Arhan's Primary Intention To Fast In Japan

JAKARTA - The left-back of the Indonesian national team, Pratama Arhan, has the support of his club, which competes in the Japanese League 2, J2 League, Tokyo Verdy to perform fasting in April-May 2022.

"We understand that Muslims are fasting. We have also discussed with the chef at the club regarding Arhan, one of which is related to non-halal food. We are very responsible for that," said Tokyo GM Verdy Atsuhiko Ejiri as quoted by ANTARA, Saturday, March 26.

Ejiri continued, Tokyo Verdy really understands the interests of foreign players because they often recruit foreign footballers. Pratama Arhan himself confirmed that he would continue to strive to fulfill the fast, which began April 2, 2022.

Even so, the 20-year-old footballer will not force fasting if his activities at Tokyo Verdy feel too heavy.

"For example, there is a situation where it is not possible to fast, such as during a match or due to the weather, I will not fast. However, it will be replaced after Eid. As for food, so far everything is safe," said Arhan.

Tokyo Verdy CEO Takaaki Nakamura also emphasized that his party ensures that Primary Arhan will carry out activities comfortably while in his team. Nakamura said that Tokyo Verdy had studied Arhan's habits before he arrived in Japan.

"Mutual understanding is the most important thing. Before Arhan joined, we have done research on how Arhan works so that he is comfortable here. As a club we understand that," said Nakamura.

Pratama Arhan was recruited by Tokyo Verdy from Indonesian League 1 club PSIS Semarang for a two-year contract starting in March 2022.

Tokyo Verdy is one of the most successful clubs in Japan by collecting two J1 League titles, five Emperor Cup winners status, six J League Cup trophies, and one Asian Champions League champion.

The club, which was founded (1969) named Yomiuri FC, was first relegated to the J2 League in 2005 because that season they were in 17th position (out of 18 teams) in the J1 League. However, Tokyo Verdy returned to the J1 League in 2008 before being thrown back into the J2 League to date.