"Cana and Kristiano motivate me", Berisha: I want to play in the Champions League, proud when I sang the national anthem

2023-07-02 10:42:05, Sport CNA

The youth team of Lecce won the title in Italy and one of the protagonists was the Albanian talent Medon Berisha who is active with Albania U21. The midfielder gave an interview to "FSHF", where he talked about his beginnings, idols in football or even the feelings of representing Albania.

Medon, how did your relationship with football start? Who is the person who pushed you towards this sport?
I started playing football at a young age, when I was 5 years old. My father played football himself when he was younger, I think I inherited from him the desire to play this beautiful sport. The whole family stands by me, but especially my father. When I was little he never missed a practice or a game of mine. Even now, he comes to Leçe to visit me and support me very often. I talk to him after every game and he helps me improve.

How did you feel when you first received the invitation from Albania U21? What do you remember from the gathering and the first game?
I had the honor to represent the red and black jersey and I was very happy. From the first match with Albania U21, I remember being very excited when I sang the national anthem.

What does it mean to you to wear the armband in the friendly with Bulgaria? You even scored the first goal with the U-21 National Team...
I was very happy that they entrusted me with the captain's armband. I feel a great responsibility from this. As for the first goal scored with the red and black shirt, it was an indescribable feeling.

What can you highlight so far from your football life? Is there an achievement you are proud of?
This season we became champions of Italy and I was able to help the team with my 11 goals and 5 assists. We were a very compact team and we always fought until the end. We took first place during the regular season and at the end we also won the "play off".

Besides the good season with the 19-year-olds of Lecce, you were also on the bench against Inter in Serie A. How do you feel about that?
I think it's a dream for every player to play in Serie A. It was a fantastic atmosphere with the home fans. That gathering with Lece gives me even more motivation to work and fulfill my dream.

Kush është lojtari shqiptar që ju motivon më së shumti, që e keni si shembull? Po lojtari i huaj?
Më duhet të mendoj direkt për Lorik Canën. Ai ishte një idhull për mua kur isha më i vogël dhe ndiqja Kombëtaren. Loriku ishte një luftëtar dhe një udhëheqës i vërtetë. Nga lojtarët e huaj them Kristiano Ronaldo, sepse respektoj mentalitetin e tij. Ai ka treguar se me punë mund të arrish gjithçka.

Në Itali tani ka një numër të madh shqiptarësh që po luajnë në Serie A. Si ndjeheni për këtë dhe sa besim ju jep që shumë shpejt dhe ju do u bashkoheni atyre?
Jam i lumtur të dëgjoj dhe të shoh shqiptarë që luajnë në ligën më të mirë italiane. Do punoj shumë për t’ia dalë edhe unë. Shpresoj që Leçe të ma japë këtë mundësi.

Seeing that you play abroad and many other young elements play in important European championships, do you think that Albania has a bright future?
Of course, there is a lot of potential in Albanian football. You can see that the Albanian Football Federation is becoming very modern. Very soon, Albanian football will have a good future and perspective.

Personally, what is your biggest goal in football? Is there a footballer whose footsteps you would like to follow?
My goal is to play for the Albanian national team A and have the opportunity to play in the Champions League. I can't name a name in whose footsteps I want to follow. I want to build my own way in football.