FLASH
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The former coach of Albania, Kristian Panuçi, gave an interview to the Italian media "Tuttosport", where he also spoke about Ardian Ismajli. He revealed how he called the defender to the National Team and that no one from the Federation knew him.
" I know Ismajli well for many years, he has become one of the best defenders in Serie A and he is an exceptional guy. I think he is ready to make the step to a big club. It doesn't surprise me at all that Juventus are chasing him. It would be a very useful addition for the Whites. Ardiani deserves such a chance ."
Can you tell us how you discovered Ismail?
"I am speaking for the first time and I am very happy to do so. In 2018 I was the coach of the Albanian national team and I went around Europe in search of new players. I was scouting firsthand and saw him in Croatia, where Ardiani was playing for Hajduk Split. It hit me right away. So I took steps to talk to him and convince him to choose Albania, given that Ismajli was already in the Kosovo national team".
You could say it went well…
" He accepted the Albanian national team for me and for what I had done to convince him. He was a man of his word! Kosovo did not want to lose him, but Ardiani kept the promise he gave me. No one knew him within the Albanian Federation, the first time I called him, they didn't even know who he was. If it hadn't been for Panuçi, Ismajli would never have come to play for Albania ...", he declared.
We remind you that Ismajli is making fantastic appearances with Empoli this season, where almost week after week he is in the best line-up of the week in Serie A. It is also worth noting that the defender's current contract with Empoli ends in June next year and Juventus is working on the offer he will present to the club to secure Ismajli's services in the January market.
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