While the fates of professional football players diverge after reaching an age that forces them to pick up their cleats, others prefer to break longevity records on the green rectangle.
This is the case of the former Algerian international, Nassim Akrour, whose only passion is for the game, he who continues to practice his football profession.
Nassim Akrour, 48, plays with the Chambéry club
Thus, at almost 50 years old, the former striker of the Algerian team finds his youth with the French team of Chambéry Savoie. Signing a new contract with the resident club of the 3rd national division in France, Akrour is not satisfied with a simple role of veteran within the Chambérien group.
Indeed, the Algerian striker was decisive for his club by scoring the third goal against the Aubagne team. A goal that sealed the fate of the meeting and allowed Nassim Akrour’s teammates to reach the knockout stages of the Coupe de France.
At 48, the former Algerian international, Nassim Akrour, still plays in France
With this passage to 48 years, Akrour is awarded the title of “Dean of the national championships of France”, a consecration that the Algerian sees favorably.
“No matter the age, I never hide behind it. We all age, it’s the cycle of life! “he said during an interview with the channel France 3.
Knowing the taste of professional football for several seasons, Nassim Akrour became the window of this last world so dreamed of for amateur players, “When I arrived at the Chambéry club, some looked at me with eyes filled with admiration. They asked me questions about how to become a professional footballer,” he adds.
Nassim Akrour, the Algerian King Kazu!
One of the examples of longevity in the world of football is the Japanese player, Kazuyoshi Miura, who continues to flirt with the football at 55 years old.
A journey that can inspire the former Algerian international, Nassim Akrour. “I heard about King Kazu, I don’t know if I could play until I’m 55. I focus on Saturday’s game and then the rest of the season. he says.
? Our team will go to the field of Chambéry Savoie Football in the 16th final of the #French Cup.
? The match will take place on the weekend of January 21-22. pic.twitter.com/IeWSEWC4Rn
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) January 8, 2023
Indeed, the amateur team from Chambéry will face the Olympique Lyonnais team for the account of the round of 16 of the Coupe de France. A match which will take place tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. and which is already setting fire to an entire region.
Find the latest information before the match against Olympique Lyonnais on Facebook and Instagram! #TeamCSF #French Cup pic.twitter.com/DZ4RMfmeks
— Chambéry Savoie Football ?⚫️ (@ChambeSF) January 18, 2023
Asked about the secret of his longevity, Nassim Akrour replied, “I don’t eat anything special. I work daily with physiotherapists and I strengthen my muscles to avoid injuries. This requires having a healthy lifestyle. I have to keep a good sleep, a good diet, rest,” he explains during an interview.
Even if Nassim Akrour has ended his professional career, the desire, the passion, the pleasure of playing football remain sufficient for him to continue to roam the green fields even through amateur football.
As a reminder, Nassim Akrour was an Algerian international between 2001 and 2004. He has 18 selections with the Greens during which he scored 6 goals.
Nassim Akrour with the Algerian team
