Support TIME. Preserve the truth.
Euro 2024

Asani: Maybe my football boots are more famous than me

Yasir Asani

Duesseldorf, June 23 – The soccer shoes that Jasir Asani wore in the match between Albania and Croatia caused a stir. The match ended 2:2, while Asani assisted the first goal scored by Qazim Laçi.

The winger was presented with football boots with drawings of "Super Mario". And powerful international media and then media in many countries of the world have written about his special shoes. 

Support the TIME. Preserve the truth.

Professional journalism is in the public interest. Your support helps it remain independent and credible. Contribute too. 1 euro makes a difference.

Letter to the Reader — Why We're Asking for Your Support Contribute

UEFA's official website has published a statement from Asan regarding his football boots.

"I made these football boots six or seven months ago, but I saved them for a special occasion. I didn't use them against Italy, so I decided to show up with them against Croatia. I wanted a funny design so I decided on Super Mario. Maybe my shoes are more famous than me in Euro 2024", said Asani.

Albania is continuing preparations for the last match in Group B, against Spain. The match takes place on Monday from 21:00 in Duesseldorf. 

Albania needs the victory to hope to move on, which would be a historic success. Spain has won the first two group games, against Croatia and Italy, and is already qualified. There have been reports that Spain may rest key players.

In Albania, they expressed optimism, although they are aware that Spain has shown the best football so far in the European Championship in Germany.

"We have analyzed and studied Spain. We have nothing to lose, so we will try to show our best and get three points although it will be very difficult. If we have a bit of luck, we can make it," added Asani.

He says that the matches so far with Italy and Croatia will serve the National Team a lot.

Albania is appearing in the European for the second time.

"We played against two strong rivals, Italy and Croatia. Both play high-level football, while Spain also has exceptional quality. We learned a lot as a team in Euro 2024. These are matches that can improve as players", the 29-year-old emphasized.

He is undisputed in Sylvinho's starting line-up. He is still part of the team from South Korea, Gwangju. But after the European Championship, his official transfer to Las Palmas in Spain is expected.