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Was next to Superiore, but Idi Batha signs in Saudi Arabia

2023-07-11 19:08:54, Sport CNA

Idi Batha will not continue his career in the Superior Category but in another championship where the financial benefits are much greater. The former captain of Tirana revealed to "Sport News" in "News 24" that he signed in Saudi Arabia and would not return to Albania at the moment.

You closed two seasons in Romania. How was the adventure with UTA Arad, any pledges, or did it just end a cycle?
It was an exciting adventure that I had been waiting for for a long time. Every footballer dreams of playing abroad, but UTA was not my dream. That team can play at higher levels. Of course, I'm proud of myself for going there to prove myself. I didn't have any pawns left from those two seasons.

Compared to Albanian football, how was the level there? Are the Romanian teams higher in your opinion, or only a few make the difference?
Of course the level is higher. All teams are higher level. The teams at the top of the table are much higher than us. High budget teams have better teams.

Idi, I am asking you directly, if you can also answer, where will you play in the new season, at least if you can say, in Albania or abroad?
This is exclusive, I have signed in Arabia and will spend one season there. Which team is it about? It is a First Division team, of course it is not an elite team, because as you can see, the Saudi Professional League is developing a lot and it is a bit difficult.

You joined Tirana, Partizani, Vllaznia, and even recently Dinamo. How does the truth stand?
We had talks. I have had no contact with Dinamo. The most advanced talks have been with Tirana and Vllaznina. In fact, Vllaznia came with a concrete offer, while Tirana was a little shy. Both I and Tirana did not find a common path.

Have you followed the Albanian championship? What did you think of the rivalry between Partizan and Tirana in the season that ended, you played with both teams?
It was as exciting as the championship, I have also said it in the interviews given. Tirana with experience, while Partizan with young and talented boys, I have been following the championship. I'm glad the title is coming back to the capital. This should have happened earlier, now it seems like there is nowhere else to go.

Partizan plays tonight against Bate Borisov, can it manage to eliminate an experienced team?
To tell you the truth, I don't know Bate Borisov, I haven't followed him. I have no information, but I am convinced that it will be difficult for Partizan. We said that the Reds have talented players, but Bate has a good squad. However, football has surprises.

Which of the Albanian teams can pass a round? Who do you see more organized and with more chances?
I hope that all the Albanian teams pass. In my opinion, the weakest team is Dinamo Batumi, who lost to Tirana. On the other side, it is more difficult because they have started the championship.

Recently, the format of Superiore has been discussed, where there is more talk of a play-off of the top 4 teams at the end, how do you see this idea?
The idea is that this system is used in Romania, so the first 6 teams and the second 10 teams, because there were 16 teams there. They made play-offs with each other, while others made Play Out! The formula matters little, what matters is that this is the formula. May the best win. If you can, win with this formula. It's exciting as a formula.

Batha, have you followed the Albanian national team? President Duka said a day ago that the September challenges are decisive for European qualification, what do you think?
We have chances, we have a charming team. Poland is a strong rival but out of form. You can win 2 games with Czech Republic, it's not a high level rival. No wonder if we win against them.