FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The President of the Football Federation of Kosovo, Agim Ademi, has given a long interview to the Swiss newspaper, "Blick". Ademi has spoken about numerous issues related to the two national teams.
Ademi said that Kosovo is open to all players who want to represent and who have a certain level. In Switzerland, there is a strong Kosovo diaspora that preserves its roots, feels the blood of Kosovo and loves the country of their parents and family.
For Leon Avdullah, Ademi said that he decided with his heart and that he is a very smart player. He indicated that FFK is working to create a representative team for the next ten years, by engaging new players. The big goal is to qualify for the European Championship.
Mr. Adam, should Switzerland be afraid of you?
Switzerland has nothing to fear, neither from me nor from the Football Federation of Kosovo. We are good friends – and you don't fear friends. We have a very good relationship with Switzerland. But in football, it's who wins the game that matters. That's why we want to win on Friday.
In fact, we were talking about your success in convincing Leon Avdullah to play for Kosovo and not for Switzerland.
When it comes to players with dual citizenship: Of course we are open to all those who want to represent Kosovo and who have the right level. In Switzerland there is a strong diaspora that preserves its roots, that feels the Kosovar blood and the love for the country of their parents and family – even though most were born in Switzerland.
Do you feel any guilt towards the Swiss Federation, which has invested in Avdullah's development as a footballer?
We will always have a deep gratitude for Switzerland, which has accepted our community. And yes, in Switzerland footballers have much more opportunities than in Kosovo. But Albanians have also taken Swiss football to another level – starting with Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri in the national team. Even in the Swiss Super League, five or six footballers of Albanian origin often play, and in the youth teams there is an extremely large number of Albanians. We are happy that they are developing so well, and we are also happy when they help build Kosovo. Switzerland as a state has helped us to realize our dream of independence, helps us economically and administratively. And yes, it can be said that it also helps us in sports. But there is no reason to be afraid of us – and we do not feel guilty either. We have not forced anyone to play for us.
How did you convince Leon Avdullah to choose Kosovo?
He decided with his heart. But he is also very smart, a guy who thinks with his head – that's why our project convinced him. But first and foremost, he followed his heart.
What role did his parents play?
Conversations with Leon and his circle have lasted more than a year. We know his family, we have very close relationships. But his parents acted right by not influencing. They completely left the decision to him. A boy like him cannot be manipulated.
What does this project you mentioned look like?
We have brought in a lot of young players between the ages of 17 and 20 who will shape the team for the next ten years. The goal is to qualify for the World Cup. And Leon has a special role as a leader. We see him as part of the new generation that will build the foundations. We believe he can become the Granit Xhaka of Kosovo. Of course he is still young – and we don't want to put too much pressure on him. But we think he has the potential to develop a lot.
Have you had contact with the Swiss Federation before or after Avdullah's decision? Have they appealed?
No. But this has always been the relationship between the two federations. We also did not complain when Andi Zeqiri or Uran Bislimi chose Switzerland, even though they had previously tried with Kosovo. A player's decision is respected. By both sides.
So there is no conflict?
No. When someone chooses Switzerland, we respect it. When Xhaka and Shaqiri chose Switzerland, we continued to support them – especially when we were creating our own state. Recently, even Ardon Jashari has rejected us. These players feel good where they are. And because of them, we are also fans of Switzerland.
On the other hand, Albian Hajdari could choose Kosovo. How many other talents from Switzerland are you targeting?
We would be very happy if Albiani would choose Kosovo. But we support any decision he makes. All Kosovars – whether from Switzerland or from other countries – are welcome to us. We also give them the opportunity to test us, before they decide. Whether in men's or women's football.
Why are Swiss players so important for Kosovo?
Because there is a very large Kosovar community here. But our focus is not only on Switzerland – we also have players from Germany, France or Scandinavia. It's just that you notice the players from Switzerland, that's why you have that feeling (laughs).
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