Bajrami talks about switching from Albania to Switzerland

Suddenly, everything happened very quickly for Luzern defender Adrian Bajrami. Three months after returning to Switzerland, he is in coach Murat Yakin’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers. His phone won’t stop ringing.

“My phone won’t stop ringing,” says 23-year-old Adrian Bajrami, a few hours after receiving the call-up from the Swiss national team.

“I’m receiving a large number of messages and congratulations from family and friends, which of course make me very happy.”

At 10:30 on Thursday, Murat Yakin announced the news. Bajrami, a strong left-footed defender who joined Luzern in the summer, has been included in the squad for this month’s World Cup qualifying matches. Bajrami also received the call that morning.

When Luzern coach Mario Frick appeared at a press conference just an hour and a half later and said how “proud the club is,” Bajrami was not at the stadium. A few moments later, the young Swiss international found time to speak to “Blick” by phone and describe his initial impressions.

Seven years in Portugal

One of the topics was his new teammates. “I don’t know many of them yet,” says Bajrami. There is a reason for that. At 16, he left Young Boys’ youth ranks to make his mark in Portugal, at Benfica’s renowned academy. He spent seven years in Portugal and made it to the first team, before deciding to return to Switzerland and join Luzern.

“I know Zeki Amdouni from the national team, since he played with me at Benfica last year,” says Bajrami. He is injured. But who does he know from the current squad?

“Of course, Fabian Rieder too. I played with him in Young Boys’ youth team. He is still a very good friend of mine. But I can’t wait to see all the other faces.”

A special welcome for Granit Xhaka

One particular topic is national team captain Granit Xhaka, 33. Switzerland’s most-capped player has always attracted the attention of young players. The best example is Ardon Jashari, who is currently injured.

What contact has Bajrami had with Xhaka?

“I don’t know him personally yet, but I can’t wait to meet him. He is a role model for many young footballers. It was the same for me. I have always followed Granit.”

Bajrami was once part of Switzerland’s U18 team. While at Benfica, he decided to play for Albania. He played for Albania’s U18 team and in three friendly matches for the senior team.

Now he has returned to Switzerland. What made the difference?

“I was born and raised in Switzerland. It is my home,” says Bajrami. “Since I started playing for Luzern, I’ve felt how much more comfortable I am here. I can’t, don’t want to, and will never hide my Albanian roots. I’m proud of them. But it’s clear that I feel at home in Switzerland.”

After that, Bajrami started getting ready for the next match. Luzern will face Sion on Saturday at 18:00.

Luzern made the loan signing from Benfica permanent a week ago, signing him to a contract until 2028. Initially, Bajrami was only on loan at Luzern. “Remo Meyer is a fox,” says Mario Frick, Luzern’s sporting director. Bajrami’s value will rise considerably after his call-up to the national team.