Russia-based defender Jonathan Mensah has revealed his pre-match ritual is dominated by reading some bible verses from the books of Psalms sent by his mother.

The Anzhi Makhachkala player believes it is necessary to be spiritually fortified before taking to the field.

“Before we leave the hotel to go to the stadium, my Mum always sends me some Psalms to read. She texts me some verses and I read them before the game,” Mensah told Cross The Line.

“I like to listen to worship music for about 15 minutes, then I will pray with the quotations that my Mum sends me.

“I’ll then pray before and after the warm-up and again before the match starts. It’s important for me, because it’s not only about football, if I wasn’t playing football I would be praying about other things anyway.

“I have to give God thanks and adoration for everything in how he has blessed me.

“Sometimes things happen in life, but thankfully, I can still run, talk, walk and play and that’s by the grace of God."