From his whistle to the tears of pride ʹthe extraordinary story of Granit Jaka

Switzerland has qualified among the world's top eight nationals for the first time since 1954, while Jaka has once again been a key figure of the team, leading the team calmly, character and quality in the middle.

This success is the newest chapter in a career that has passed from the most difficult moments to the spectacular return to the football elite.

Just seven years ago, Jaka's future in Premier League seemed closed. During the Arsenal period, the Albanian midfielder had become the subject of constant criticism from fans. The climax came in October 2019 at the match against Crystal Palace when it was whistled by the tributaries as it was being replaced.

After that episode, Coach Unai Emery took the captain's tape off and away from"The Tops"seemed only a matter of time.

Still, Michael Artetta's arrival changed everything. Jaka regained the trust of coach and fans thanks to his stable performance and combative character. He returned as team leader and contributed to the Arsenal triumph at the FA Cup in 2020.

Then came the transfer of Baier Leverkusen, where he experienced another golden period, winning the title of Bundesliga with no loss.

Last summer he returned to England this time in Sunderland. Under his leadership, not only did the team ensure survival but it also reached a place that leads to the League of Europe, while its fine presentations aroused the interest of the Chelseas as well. Despite that, Jaka decided to continue her adventure with Sunderland.

In the World Cup, its impact has been just as great. After an imperfect start with the draw on Qatar, Switzerland reacted with victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, where Jaka sealed the 4-1 victory with a goal from the white spot to the extra time.

With that goal, he became only the second football player in Switzerland's history to mark in three World Cup editions, after Gerdan Shaqiri.

Then came the historic triumph of Colombia, which provided Switzerland with a quarterfinal location. The victory was celebrated nationwide, while Swiss President Guy Parmeli praised the national for historic achievement, Telegrafi reports, broadcast. Periscope.

Swiss media described this as the country's best showing in World Cup history, with Jaka again being deemed the team's undisputed leader.

Already ahead of Switzerland lies the biggest challenge of the tournament -- the quarterfinal to Argentina. Champions in power are considered favourites, but the nuclear team travels towards this high-confidence confrontation and the belief that it can continue its historic journey.

The focus of this belief remains Granit Jaka é footballer who was once questioned, but has now become a symbol of Swiss football success and pride. /Periscope/