En-Nesyri explains why he did not celebrate goal against Bono in Hilal-Ittihad clash
Youssef En-Nesyri says his close friendship with goalkeeper Yassine Bono was the reason he did not celebrate his goal for Al-Ittihad against Al-Hilal.
Key Takeaways
AIAl-Ittihad striker Youssef En-Nesyri has revealed why he chose not to celebrate after scoring the equalizer against Al-Hilal during Saturday night's Roshn Saudi League 'Clasico', citing his strong friendship with Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bono as the reason.
En-Nesyri netted the equalizer in the 22nd minute, after Gabriel Martinelli had put Al-Hilal ahead in the 11th. Al-Hilal went on to score two more goals, securing a 3-1 victory and extending their lead at the top of the Roshn League to two points over Al-Qadsiah and Al-Nassr.
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In a post-match interview, En-Nesyri joined Bono and responded to a question about his muted celebration, saying: "It's hard for me to celebrate against my brother and someone dear to my heart. We spent years together with the national team and at Sevilla, and I wish him success in the coming matches."
Bono expressed his appreciation for En-Nesyri's words, kissing him on the head in a display of mutual respect. Bono added: "Youssef is like a younger brother to me, we are very close, and he played a great match. I want to congratulate him."
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A special bond between En-Nesyri and Bono
The Moroccan goalkeeper noted that football brings friends together and creates bonds akin to family, whether at clubs or national teams, adding that facing such friends on the pitch is never easy.