Football veterans react after Amir Rrahmani’s retirement

STATEMENT FROM THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE KOSOVO FOOTBALL VETERANS LEAGUE

As the Executive Board of the Kosovo Football Veterans League, but above all as members of the generation of sacrifice, we cannot remain indifferent to the recent statements and positions of Kosovo national team captain Amir Rrahmani.

We respect every footballer who has contributed to the national team and value every appearance in Kosovo’s shirt. But it is precisely for this reason that it pains us when a player who has worn the captain’s armband chooses to speak in a way that, in our view, could damage the national team’s image and unity.

A captain is not only someone who wears the armband. A captain is someone who steps forward in the most difficult moments, brings the team together and defends his country’s shirt.

Captain, do not forget that we have not forgotten you. Despite everything, even when you did not join the national team at one of the most decisive and historic moments for Kosovo, in the match against North Macedonia, we still supported you and respected your contribution in Kosovo’s shirt.

It is precisely for this reason that we are not speaking today out of hatred or a desire to attack you. We are speaking because we believe the national team captain should be an example of unity, responsibility and respect for the shirt he represents.

Captain, we do not know who the advisers surrounding you are, or who are pushing you toward these positions, but we know some of them well. They are people who, unfortunately, often see only problems, only the dark side and only division. It pains us to see that these influences may also be affecting the way you see the national team today.

You are Kosovo’s captain, and for precisely that reason you have a much greater responsibility than an ordinary footballer.

If you have problems, disagreements or concerns with someone, it is much better to sit down and resolve them through conversation, with respect and in an institutional manner, rather than act in a way that could damage the national team and its image.

Do not forget, captain, that many athletes have made sacrifices, suffered injuries that cost them limbs and given everything so this land could be free. Many of them did not have the chance to see a free Kosovo, play free football and wear their country’s shirt.

And even more painfully, many athletes fell as martyrs for Kosovo’s freedom.

Therefore, when you wear Kosovo’s shirt, you are not wearing just a sports shirt. Behind it stand a history, a people and a great sacrifice.

You have said that “Napoli is my first home.” We understand and respect your love for the club where you developed professionally and built your career. But, captain, never forget that your home is the land for which blood has been shed, the Kosovo that gave you the opportunity to live and play freely, with your head held high and your country’s flag.

Napoli may be your first sporting home, but Kosovo is your home and ours.

Therefore, we say to you with respect:

Do not let anyone use you as a tool for division. Do not become anyone’s pawn. You are captain of the Kosovo national team.

But the Kosovo national team must be above every individual, every position and every personal disagreement.

Today, the national team is building a new generation. Young footballers are coming through, a broader team is taking shape, and we believe Kosovo can and should become stronger every day. At this moment, what we need is unity and support, not division.

We do not want to insult anyone, and we do not want to diminish anyone’s contribution. But as a generation that has experienced sacrifice, we cannot remain silent when we believe that something much greater than any of us is being affected.

The national team belongs to Kosovo.
The shirt belongs to Kosovo.
The flag belongs to Kosovo.
And no one is greater than Kosovo.

With respect for all those who have sacrificed for this country and for all the athletes who continue to honor Kosovo’s shirt today.

Executive Board of the Kosovo Football Veterans League.