Debut at Hajduk, the first step towards Raç's big goals

Ron Raçi played just five minutes in his debut match for Hajduk Split. But the talented center-back initially aims to stabilize himself at the Croatian giants and then secure a move to one of Europe's biggest leagues.

So, in front of 25 spectators at the "Poljud" stadium, 22-year-old Raçi played from the 85th minute for Hajduk Split, which won against Gocica 2:0, as part of the second round of the Croatian football elite.

Raqi left satisfied with the great support from the famous fan group "Torcida". He will remember this moment for a long time.

"It was a special feeling and a moment that I will always remember. Hajduk is a club with a great history and incredible fans, and for me it was a great honor to wear their jersey for the first time," Raçi told KOHA on Monday.

Raçi sees Hajduk as a springboard to move to one of the five strongest leagues in Europe.

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"Every player dreams of playing in the strongest leagues. Of course, with hard work and good performances, everything is possible, but right now I am focused only on Hajduk," Raçi stressed.

In the past, several Albanian footballers have been transferred from Croatian football to the world's top leagues. Some of them are the captain of Kosovo, Amir Rrahmani, Ardian Ismajli and Emir Sahiti. Rrahmani is part of the Italian champion, Napoli.

The talented defender joined the Croatian giants on July 26. He was transferred from Pristina for 300 thousand euros. He has signed a contract with Hajduk until the summer of 2029. He wears the number 14 shirt at the Croatian club.

The 22-year-old Hajduk player is also a teammate of Adrion Pajaziti, another Kosovar footballer. He has spoken about how he was received by his teammates and also by the coaching staff.

"I have been welcomed very well since day one. The team and staff have been open and supportive, so the adaptation has been much easier. I am feeling better and better every day in the new environment. My main goal is to give my best for Hajduk, to help the team achieve its objectives and to grow as a player. I want to show my values in every match," said Raçi.

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After good performances with the Prishtina jersey, Raçi received an invitation from the Kosovo coach, Franco Foda. He was part of Kosovo for two friendly matches against Armenia and Comoros. Against the latter, Raçi made his debut with the "Dardan" jersey.

Raçi expects to be invited back from Kosovo.

In September, the "Dardans" will play the first two qualifying matches for the World Cup, which will be held next year in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Kosovo plays against Switzerland in Basel on September 5. Three days later, it hosts Sweden in Pristina.

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"Kosovo has a very strong and quality group. With faith, dedication and the support of our fans, I believe we can achieve great results."

Raçi started his career with Ramiz Sadiku. In Kosovo, he also played for Besa e Peja and Trepça '89.