Albanian footballer surprises “heretics”, retired by Switzerland's national

Periskopi

16 July 2021, 15:41(5 years ago)

After 76 matches, 4188 minutes of play and a yellow card, Admir Mehmed has decided to withdraw from Switzerland's representative, the Swiss Football Federation announced on Friday. The 30-year-old striker has played Switzerland on three major tours: World in 2014 and European in 2016 and 2020. Mehmed will be [...]

This decision was made after careful consideration. It's always been my wish to be able to decide for myself when I'll say goodbye to the representative. Recently, the injuries also slowed me”, Mehmed said.

Because of this situation, I have come to the conclusion that it is the right time to end my career in Switzerland. The European was a wonderful and worthy end. I'm grateful and proud that I've been able to experience this great tour with the national team for so many years and recently”.

Swiss Representative Vladimir Petkov said he regrets Mehmed's decision, which he adds he fully respects.

“Admir informed me of his decision in a personal conversation. I can understand his motives. With his game, his personality and his very professional nature, he has contributed greatly to the development and success of our national team. He deserves great gratitude and respect for this”, Petkovic said. Mehmed has left a mark on Switzerland's nationals. He made his debut on June 4th 2011 at the 2.2th draw against England at “Wembley” and also played his last match against a major team, Spain.

Mehmed at “Euro 2020” had two presentations for Switzerland and scored the decisive goal from penalty against France to 1/8 of the final, eliminating the World Champion. In addition to 76 international matches for team A, Mehmed played a final of the U-17 European Championships and a U-19. In 2012, he scored the early Swiss goal of the opening match against Gabon at the London Olympic tournament.