Suddenly, everything happened very quickly for Lucerne defender Adrian Bajrami. Three months after returning to Switzerland, he is in coach Murat Yakin's squad for the World Cup qualifiers. His phone doesn't stop ringing.
"My phone won't stop ringing," says 23-year-old Adrian Bajrami, a few hours after receiving the invitation from the Swiss national team.
"I am receiving a large number of messages and congratulations from family and friends, which of course makes me very happy."
On Thursday at 10:30, Murat Yakin announced the news. Bajrami, a powerful left-back who has been with Lucerne since the summer, has been included in the squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers. Bajrami also received the call-up that morning.
When Luzern coach Mario Frick appeared at a press conference just an hour and a half later and declared how "proud the club is," Bajrami was not at the stadium. Moments later, the young Swiss international found time to speak to Blick over the phone about his first impressions.
Seven years in Portugal
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One of the topics was about his new teammates. “I don’t know many of them yet,” says Bajrami. There’s a reason for that. As a 16-year-old, he left the Young Boys youth system to make his mark in Portugal, at Benfica’s famed academy. He stayed in Portugal for seven years and made it to the first team, before deciding to return to Switzerland and join Lucerne.
"I know Zeki Amdouni from the national team, as he played with me at Benfica last year," says Bajrami. He is injured. But who do you know from the current roster?
"Of course, Fabian Riederin too. I played with him in the youth team at Young Boys. He's still a very good friend of mine. But I can't wait to see all the other faces."
Special reception for Granit Xhakan
A special topic is the captain of the national team, 33-year-old Granit Xhaka. The most capped player for Switzerland has consistently attracted the attention of young players. The best example is Ardon Jashari, who is currently injured.
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What contact does Bajrami have with Xhaka?
"I still don't know him personally, but I can't wait to meet him. He's a role model for many young footballers. It was the same for me. I've always followed Granit."
Bajrami was once in the Swiss U18 team. During his time at Benfica, he decided to play for Albania. He has played for the U18 team and three friendly matches for Albania A.
Now it's back to Switzerland. What made the difference?
"I was born and raised in Switzerland. It's my home," says Bajrami. "Since I started playing for Lucerne, I've felt how much more comfortable I feel here. I can't, don't want to and never will hide my Albanian roots. I'm proud of that. But it's clear that I feel at home in Switzerland."
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Since receiving an invitation from Switzerland, Bajram's form has been declining.
Then Bajrami started getting ready for the next match. Luzern will face Sion on Saturday at 18:00 PM.
Luzern finally transferred the loanee from Benfica a week ago, signing him to a contract until 2028. Initially, Bajrami was only on loan at Luzern. “Remo Meyer is a fox,” says Mario Frick, Luzern’s sporting director. Bajrami’s value will increase significantly after the invitation to the national team.
