I didn't know I was Albanian

Ivan Balliu had not imagined at the time he played with young people in Spain who would one day represent Albania.

Metz's right-wing defender was gathered by Italian coach Christian Panucci, and something like that was surprising for the player on the eve of challenges with Liechtenstein and Macedonia.

But Balliu's story is very curious. Balliu did not know he had Albanian roots, but the Albanian Football Federation found out that the player had Albanian descent and could thus represent the Red National.

I was called in April and had a meeting with President Armand Duka. They asked me about my roots. This thing is typical Albanian. Then they began their research and resulted in my father's Albanian background. I didn't know that, because I had lost contact with this item”, Albanian protector told the newspaper “Marca”.

However, he could have debuted with this fan. I talked to former Coach De Biazi before he left. He asked me for the games played in June, but for documentation issues, I couldn't --”, he relates.

I'm working very well. Everyone is helping me grow and improve. I'm so happy to be gathered at the Nationals. It's a very important step for me. Being part of a national team adds one plus as a player. I'm going to play big fights, against big teams, and that makes me very happy”, Balliu said.

SPAIN AND BARCHAA

In the next month, Ballou will play a very special game. Albania will visit Spain and then play with Italy.

“are the group's strongest teams. The fight against Spain will be very special to me. I have good friends on this team. I played with them, and I hope to see them again at the playground. I'm talking about Bartra, Serge Roberto, Tiago Alcantara and Iscon. It's going to be something nice and fun”, the defender said.

Balliu was founded at Barcelona Academy and played with age teams between 12 and 21

He was captain of young people and even managed to assemble twice in the preparation phase with the first team.

I've been traveling with Guardiola as with Vilanova. I am very grateful for what they have done for me. They helped me, corrected me when I made mistakes, and they talked to me to better understand”, he declared.

” They made you feel like an important player. But I decided to leave Barcelona because there were players like Danny Alvesh and Monto. It was very difficult for me to find minutes. To that end, I decided to find another body”, the red player went on.