From July to October, Albian Hajdari's name was the topic of discussion by everyone, especially after his transfer from Lugano to Hoffenheim and above all the decision to play for Kosovo and not Switzerland.
In a long interview given to "Corriere del Ticino", among other things, Hajdari revealed what prompted him to choose Kosovo over Switzerland.
The 22-year-old centre-back made his debut for Kosovo last month, playing the full 90 minutes in a goalless draw with Slovenia and a 1-0 win over Sweden.
He was considered one of the best in the field.
"The Kosovo Football Federation had expressed its interest for a year and a half, a period during which I debuted with Switzerland. And, yes, managing all the situations was not easy. I am and feel Kosovar. I had numerous conversations with both Murat Yakin and Kosovo coach Franco Foda. And the feelings I experienced during these discussions, along with more personal ones, pushed me and my circle to choose Kosovo," said Hajdari.
He has said that his dream with Kosovo is to qualify for the World Cup or the European Championship. He insists that it has the potential to qualify for a major tournament for the first time.
Kosovo is in the race to secure qualification for the World Cup to be held next year in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Kosovo is second in Group B with seven points. Switzerland is in first place with ten points, while Slovenia is in third place with three points. Sweden is last with one point.
Kosovo plays two crucial matches this month. On November 15, it plays against Slovenia in Ljubljana, and on November 18, it hosts Switzerland in Pristina.
"Little Kosovo can make history by qualifying for a major tournament for the first time. The opportunity is there, it must be seized, even if it means that Switzerland fails against Sweden. We are aware of this, just as we know that we must collect as many points as possible in Ljubljana and in Pristina against Switzerland. Experiencing this adventure with players and former teammates like Kreshnik Hajrizi and Amir Shaip, of course, makes everything more special. Even for them, who still play in a league of the level like the Superliga, the risks are great," Hajdari emphasized.
He is confident that Shaipi will be important again for Lugano. Hajdari previously played with Shaipi at Lugano before joining Hoffenheim in the summer.
"It is even more difficult for a goalkeeper to cope with such dynamics. Amiri started the season as the number one and suddenly found himself on the bench. We had the opportunity to talk about this during the last training camp and knowing his character, I believe that what happened with Cornaredo can make him even stronger. You can only learn from situations like the ones he went through, reacting and demonstrating - with your values and qualities - that you can return to being the starting goalkeeper of Lugano. I am convinced that he can do it, and that is certainly what I hope for him," said Hajdari.
Shaipi is Kosovo's second goalkeeper, while from the beginning of September he was also the second goalkeeper for the Swiss team, Lugano.
Shaipi is expected to be the starter for Kosovo against Slovenia. First-choice goalkeeper Aro Muric is suspended.