Rey Manaj's story / From the difficulties in England, to the explosion in Turkey

2024-04-17 11:51:00, Sport CNA

Rey Manaj is having the best season of his career in the Turkish Super League, where he is part of the well-known Sivasspor team.

The 16 goals scored this season rank Manaj among the best in the championship, like Edin Xheko of Fenerbahçe and Mauro Ikardi of Galatasaray.

The Albanian striker has not had an easy time reaching this season's success. In a confession to the media in Turkey, Manaj has shown the difficulties in his career, but also how he ended up at Sivasspor, where he attracted everyone's attention.

"In 1997, Albania went through difficult months, but I don't like to dwell too much on this point, as I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me. This is how my parents taught me, whom I thank for everything they have done for me.

When I was little, I finished school and played football with my friends all afternoon. Then on the weekends I accompanied my father, because he also played with his friends. Sometimes I would go in there and play. It all started there. I grew up watching Ronaldo the phenomenon, who is also my idol.

In England I had a bad period, not because of the level of football there, but simply because I didn't adapt to the way they worked. I was used to working out in the gym once a week, while in England they went every day.

Transfer to Sivaspor? The president was the first to call me when I was still injured. I had followed this team a year ago when they played against Fiorentina. Then I received several calls from several other Turkish clubs, but I wanted to play with Sivaspor, after I had given the word to the president. I think I made the best choice.

I am used to football, having signed for my first club at the age of 16. Now I feel good because I am dedicated to this sport. I look at it with great passion. I come to training three to four hours before and I am very careful with my food. I like to eat a lot of baklava, but I hold myself back because I have to run a lot. I prefer to consume it after matches. My desire is to send Sivaspor among the five best teams in Turkey", declared Manaj.

Lushnjari was gathered by Albania's coach, Silvinjo, for the two friendlies in March, against Chile and Sweden, while he hopes to have an invitation to the summer European Championship, which will be held in Germany.