Ounahi: "Girona Restored My Desire to Play Football; Lifestyle Change is the Secret to My Return to Form"

Moroccan national team and Spanish club Girona midfielder, Azzedine Ounahi, gave an interview to "Al-Sharq" newspaper, sending strong and reassuring messages to the Moroccan public, confirming his return to form. Ounahi also revealed a "big promise" he and his Atlas Lions teammates made to themselves, less than a month before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Ounahi reassured fans about his current level after a period of decline, having previously caught attention with his outstanding performance at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, earning special praise from Spanish coach Luis Enrique. Regarding his new experience in the Spanish league, he stated: "Thank God, the experience has started well. I've been a starter since I arrived, and my level is improving with each passing match." He added: "I knew I would be comfortable in La Liga, and people will see the Ounahi they were accustomed to at the World Cup once I reach full fitness."

The former Marseille star revealed the secret behind his return to form, which lies in a radical change in his lifestyle and personal environment. He explained: "I started working with a private physical trainer who handles everything, from nutrition to additional training. I train in the morning with the club and in the evening with him; he has helped me a lot physically and mentally."

Ounahi expressed great comfort at his new club, Girona, despite the team's struggles, currently occupying eighteenth place. He said: "I feel comfortable here; one could say I've rediscovered the desire and the smile to play football. I'm in a team that feels like family, and everyone shows me love and supports us despite the difficult start."

Ounahi spoke confidently about the upcoming continental challenge, emphasizing his awareness of the responsibility imposed by the legacy of the Qatar World Cup. He stated: "The Africa Cup of Nations is approaching. We, as a group of players, technical staff, and the federation president, fully understand the magnitude of the responsibility placed upon us. We know that the trophy must remain in our country."

Ounahi concluded his remarks by addressing a direct message to the Moroccan fans, saying: "We learned lessons from the last edition, and we are fully prepared. I tell our fans, for whom our match tickets sold out: we know you will be behind us, and it is us who must give everything on the field to show you that we will fight to make you happy and keep the trophy in Morocco, God willing."