Lorik Cana spoke to Euronews Albania ahead of the Kosovo–Turkey match, scheduled for 20:45 tonight at “Fadil Vokrri” Stadium.
The legendary former captain of the Albanian national team said that emotions would be felt by him as well, like all Albanians, while reflecting on not having played for Kosovo himself.
“We will all feel emotions, regardless of which Albanian land we come from. But for those of us born and raised in Kosovo, it remains more special this is undeniable,” Cana said.
Asked if he regrets not wearing the Kosovo jersey, he replied:
“I believe everyone lives a chapter in their life, and that chapter must be fulfilled in the best possible way. We experienced a chapter where we turned the dream of Albanians to represent themselves with a national symbol and jersey into reality—not only Albanians from Kosovo, but also from North Macedonia and the Presevo Valley. Tonight is a new chapter, where mainly young men who grew up in Kosovo after the war and some from the diaspora can achieve one of the most important things for Kosovo; perhaps since independence, this is the most significant moment for affirming Kosovo.”
The 42-year-old added that Turkey remains a major favorite for the match, but Kosovo has great strength.
“Turkey is a big favorite. In terms of experience, technique, and overall level, Turkey is a strong favorite. But the strength of this Kosovo team, starting after the match against Switzerland, has changed something in Kosovo. Not only tactically, not only thanks to the coach’s exceptional merit, but the team has gained self-confidence, a fighting spirit, and has done so with full merit—after winning in Slovenia and Sweden, eliminating a strong Slovakia, and now they face the final stage, which is the most beautiful and the most difficult,” Cana continued.
The legendary former Albanian captain emphasized that the Kosovo footballers have done something extraordinary.
“What always makes them strong is what we have achieved before. They must understand the fortune and responsibility they have to represent their country. Regardless of their upbringing and development abroad, once you understand the responsibility and honor of playing for the state of Kosovo, with all its short history, it makes you go beyond thinking just as a footballer. These boys have achieved something extraordinary,” Lorik Cana said.
