The Duke talks about the match with Serbia and the European Championship with Serbia

During the long interview, the president of the Albanian Football Federation, Armand Duka, also spoke about the match with Serbia, which is part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, but also about the 21 U2027 European Championship, which Albania is organizing together with Serbia.

The match with Serbia in Tirana is on June 7th.

"There is emotion, the weight of history between the two national teams. I invite everyone, I believe everyone will. Let's see the match with Serbia as a football match and nothing more. Our main objective is to win in a sporting way. If we win in a sporting way, we have won everything," said Duka.

He said that the Albanian Football Federation is attentive to criticism, remarks, but also insults from fans regarding the cooperation with the Serbian federation for the European Championship. He said that the goal is sporting.

"Also from a political perspective, without a doubt, not only have I experienced what every Kosovar has experienced (not in the same way because I have not been physically in Kosovo), but we have all supported and tried to ease the pain of the Albanians of Kosovo. I know the history, but the message is that we must look forward. We will not change Serbia, we will not move Serbia from the country. It will stay there, Kosovo will stay there. Despite the pain, we must find a way and we must find bridges of communication. Whether this will have a positive impact or not, I believe it will. And if this serves to improve the lives of children in Kosovo, I will be satisfied. It will hurt some because the wounds are fresh, but we must look forward," said Duka.

He expects the European Championship to be a perfect event and a successful organization.

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The Duke also mentioned the rebirth of Albanians' sense of pride related to Albania's successes in football.

"I regret to note that Albanians from Albania who emigrate abroad, their children do not all speak Albanian, while Albanians from Kosovo, Macedonia and other lands have never forgotten the language. My friend's children did not speak the language and had no desire to visit Albania and after the European Championship, not only did they start speaking Albanian, but they wear the Albanian National Team's jersey and since then they have come to Albania five times, they have become even more connected to the country. This shows how much football serves the nation," said Duka, while speaking about the effects of the success of the Albanian National Team.