Premiership: Kachloul dedicates goal to deceased friend

Hassan Kachloul has dedicated his first Aston Villa goal to the memory of close friend and fellow Moroccan international Youssef Belkhoja, who died of a heart attack during a match earlier this month.

Kachloul revealed he has found it ‘‘difficult to carry on playing’’ since 24-year-old Belkhoja collapsed while taking a corner when playing for Wydad Casablanca.

But Kachloul has been trying to get on with his career as best as he can and he showed his professionalism with the winner and man-of-the match performance against Charlton at Villa Park on Wednesday.

‘‘What happened to Youssef has not been easy to take,’’ Kachloul said. ‘‘I knew him really well and he was my friend and it makes you realise that life is so important. I have been really sad.

‘‘When I heard the news I was shocked. It’s always sad to see someone you know pass away and when the person is so young it is a tragedy. He was only 24.

‘‘Hearing that sort of news makes it very difficult to carry on playing football. It has been difficult to play since then. It puts things in perspective.

‘‘Football-wise he was a great prospect for the future. But he was taking a corner while playing for Wydad Casablanca when he suddenly collapsed and died. Nothing like this has ever happened in Moroccan football before.

‘‘I sent my regards to his family and I am still sad, but you have to get on with things and it makes me appreciate my own health and fitness all the more.

‘‘I also know I must try to concentrate on my football at Villa and I would love to dedicate my first goal for the club to Youssef.’’