Albian Hajdari: I was threatened, but I never regret choosing Kosovo

He spoke of the abuse he had received when he chose to represent the national of Kosovo before Switzerland.

In a long interview, he explains his decision, what happened after he passed to Kosovo and many other things.

ART PLOVEL:

“Young footballers who have two passports often early in careers face the decision which country they will play for. Central defender Albian Hajdari decided after a match with Switzerland to play for Kosovo in the future. He has now spoken more openly than ever about the reasons for this decision and the reactions that followed last autumn.

THAT was one of the topics that upset all Swiss football last year: some talents changed national and decided to stop playing for Switzerland but other countries. One was Hajdari, who had a special occasion because he had previously been part of the Swiss National gatherings and had even played 45 minutes in a friendly match. However, since this was not an official match, he still had the right to change his representative.

Hoffenheim defender, raised in Aesch in Basel-Landschaft canton, has previously explained his decision, but not as openly as in the documentary “The Belonging”, which deals with double passports and their choices between Switzerland and parents' countries of origin.

Albian Hajdari, you've been gathering several times with Switzerland under coach Murat Yakin. If you'd played in the League of Nations, you'd be “connected” to Switzerland. Would you today view it as a mistake?

It's hard to appreciate. If I had played, it would have been so and the subject would have closed. Then I'd have to play so well that the coach never took me off the team again. ”

When was the idea to stop playing for Switzerland?

“Gathering for friendly matches was an important moment. I was hoping I could have more of a chance to show myself. When I saw that I was only 45 out of 180 minutes, I was sincerely disappointed. ”

What disturbed you?

I don't understand why new players are invited and then not given much space to play. ”

Were you disappointed by Coach Murat Yakin and the Swiss Federation?

I was playing well with Lugano at the time, and in the international arena, I had good views. I expected more clarity about their plans for me and more faith in self - evidentness. That affected my decision. ”

In the documentary you say Kosovo's story was crucial. What convinced you?

I've studied the history of both countries. Kosovo is a new country that has gone far. I've been talking to people who have experienced that time. I realized that if I achieve something with Kosovo, I can make people very proud. That gave me a special feeling. ”

Kosovo journalist Life Jarra says you and Leon Avdullahu are Kosovo's future soldiers. Was that part of your decision?

Yes, of course. In Switzerland you don't become a symbol of the nation so quickly. In Kosovo you can leave a bigger legacy. I also wanted to give young players courage to believe that big things can be achieved with even smaller places. ”

Has the public response surprised you?

No. I expected reactions. But I did not expect that there would be so much debate and fear of losing players with double passports in Switzerland. There were even very personal threats and messages. ”

Did you get threats?

“Yes, on social networking. People who said they knew where my family and I live. But I don't take them very seriously. My family was more moved, but I told them I made the decision and it is my duty to protect them. ”

Did the parents influence the decision?

No, they let me go and supported me no matter what. I made my own decision. ”

Do you regret not playing the Swiss World?

No. I am not a man who repents. When I make a decision, I support it 100%. Kosovo is still developing and I want to be part of this story.”/ Periscope.