After an inconclusive experience in Botola, Hachim Mastour returned to Italy where he hopes to find a club. The Moroccan international spoke openly about his depression, which he managed to overcome thanks to the Muslim religion.
Hachim Mastour left Ittihad Touarga where he had been playing for two seasons, and confided that his experience in the Moroccan professional championship over the last few seasons brought him closer to God. He explained that he now places greater importance on applying the teachings of Islam, which has helped him overcome serious psychological problems.
In an interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport after returning to Italy, Mastour said: “I am currently in Reggio Emilia, my city. I chose to train here with coach Stefano Selario. My dream is to prove my worth in Italy. Although I received offers from the Emirates and Europe, I preferred to return home.”
He then spoke about a difficult period in his life, where he suffered from depression and lost the pleasure of playing. “ I went through a lot of psychological pressure and a complicated phase on a personal and professional level. But I managed to overcome this crisis thanks to my faith and the support of my family. In Morocco, I got closer to religion, practicing prayer and reading the Koran,” he explained.
Mastour also spoke about his relationship with fame from a young age, recalling his time at AC Milan. “When I was in Milan, I felt like a superhero. The jersey I wore made me feel special. Everything seemed so easy, and I loved being in the spotlight, especially at San Siro. I trained with great players like Kaká, Robinho, Mexès, and De Jong. I also met Allegri and Ibrahimović. However, I only kept in contact with Rafael Leão, whom I consider a friend”.
“If I could go back in time, I would take more time to appreciate each moment. In Milan, I was young and there was huge media coverage around my name, especially on social media, which was booming at the time. I had no one to manage my career or guide me. All I cared about was enjoying my time. Unfortunately, others have benefited from this media coverage, while I have not derived any great financial benefit from it. he continued, before concluding:
“I want to go back to school and enter university. I had started studying accounting, but my professional career, notably in Malaga in Spain, forced me to leave school very early,” he concluded.
-Now 26, Mastour has played for Renaissance Zemamra and Ittihad Touarga in recent seasons, but has failed to establish himself in the Moroccan league.
Hachim was born in Reggio Emilia, northern Italy, to Moroccan parents. Since childhood, he dreamed of becoming the greatest football player in the world. He started his career at US Reggio Calcio, a football school based in Reggio Emilia and linked to FC Internazionale Milano.
From the start of his football career, Mastour was considered a prodigy. Nicknamed “the young Cristiano Ronaldo”, due to his speed, ability to change pace, superior dribbling skills and ability to shoot well with his feet, Mastour failed to live up to his fans’ expectations.
After being courted by prestigious clubs such as Juventus, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, he finally accepted an offer from AC Milan in 2012.
Milan loaned Mastour for two years without an option to buy to Malaga CF on the last day of the 2015 summer transfer period. On 8 July 2016, Malaga broke the loan and Mastour returned to Milan. Since then he has failed to impress, whether at Malaga or FC Zwolle at PAS Lamia or at Carpi and La Reggina and finally in Botola.
