Elmando Gjini, the young Albanian who is compared to Bonuçi, tells the story

2023-07-09 16:55:00, Sport CNA

From Sweden, to Italy and then to Portugal. Although at a young age, in August he celebrates his 21st anniversary, Elmando Gjini has gained experience and has managed step by step to go through all the National Teams of the ages. Now the tall defender is part of Albania U21 and his goal is to become a great player and follow in the footsteps of Virgil Van Dijk. Gjini has confessed in the column "Albanian Talent" and shows his connection with football, comparisons with Bonucci, the objectives he has and of course he also talks about gathering in the National Team for the first time.

"Like everyone else, I started dreaming of becoming a footballer at a young age. Everyone was in cars, and I was with the ball on my feet. I have a passion for football, it's in my blood", says Elmando Gjini at the beginning of his story. The central defender in his journey has always had the support of his family, especially his father.

"The whole family has always supported me, but my father the most. He hasn't missed any of my training and normally not even a game. He always supported me in the steps I took in football. He is the person who inspired me", says Gjini. In football and in life in general, it's hard to avoid comparisons, and this is also the case with the 20-year-old defender.

"Everyone tells me that I look like Leonardo Bonucci, because of the technique and calmness I have with the ball. I am a modern defender. Although I am 2 meters tall, I am fortunate to have technique and foot speed. This thing has favored me a lot", added the central defender, who then remembers the first meeting with Albania.

"I was very happy and proud when they invited me to the National Team. I played for the first time with Albania U17 in the European qualifiers. The coach was Mustedanagic and he gave me the opportunity to play against Croatia and the starter against Spain. Thanks to the National Team, I am where I am, so I am very grateful", says Gjini. Asked if there are any achievements so far that he is proud of, the tall man says:

"It is not that I have won many titles, but I have always given my best on the field of play. Every year I become a better player and this is very important for me". Elmando played in Sweden before moving to Bologna in Italy. Genoa now owns his card, while last season he was on loan at Amora in Portugal. It was not easy for him to make all these moves, but he thinks it was worth it.

"At first it was difficult, but I am a person who has a lot of confidence in myself. I knew that all this sacrifice will work out for the best, but I still have to keep fighting. I gained a lot of experience, I got the tactics and grit of Italy, and now the technique of Portugal. This makes me a more complete player", declares Gjini, who also talks about his favorite players.

"I really liked Lorik Cana as a player. Even though he ended it with the football he played, he is remembered and for me this is very important. Among the foreign players, I like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, not only as a player, but also as a character", adds the center back of Albania U21, while continuing his story about the objectives he has.

"Expectations are high. I have one more year of contract with Genoa. Let's see what happens later. My goal is to reach the highest levels and play in important competitions, such as the Champions League. I would like to follow in the footsteps of Van Dijk of Liverpool", said the young man.

In the end, Elmando Gjini, when asked how he sees the future of Albania in football, seeing how many players are playing in the big leagues, declared: "Albania has a very good future, it is always growing. Even now, I really think that they can go to the European Championship".