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He chose Kosovo over Switzerland, the defender: I received threats, but I don't regret the choice!

2026-06-01 19:49:47 / SPORT ALFA PRESS

He chose Kosovo over Switzerland, the defender: I received threats, but I

Kosovo center back Albian Hajdari, in an interview with the media outlet "Watson", said that he received threats when he chose the Dardanians over Switzerland. Despite everything, Hajdari says that he has no regrets.

Young footballers who hold dual passports often face the decision early in their careers of which country they will play for. Central defender Albian Hajdari decided after a match against Switzerland that he would 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.

THIS was one of the topics that worried all of Swiss football last year: several talents changed national teams and decided to no longer play for Switzerland, but for other countries. One of them was Hajdari, who had a special case, as he had previously been part of the Swiss national team 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 the national team.

The Hoffenheim defender, who grew up in Aesch in the canton of Basel-Landschaft, has previously explained his decision, but not as openly as in the documentary "The Belonging", which deals with footballers with dual passports and their choices between Switzerland and their parents' countries of origin.

Albian Hajdari, you have been in the Swiss national team several times under coach Murat Yakin. If you had played in the Nations League, you would have been “linked” to Switzerland. Would you consider that a mistake today?

"It's difficult to assess. If I had played, it would have been like this and the topic would be closed. Then I would have to play so well that the coach wouldn't remove me from the team anymore."

When did the idea of ​​no longer playing for Switzerland come about?

"The friendly match was an important moment. I was hoping to have more opportunities to show myself. When I saw that I only played 45 out of 180 minutes, I was honestly disappointed."

"I didn't understand why young players are invited and then not given much space to play."

Did you feel disappointed by coach Murat Yakin and the Swiss Federation?

"At that time I was playing well with Lugano and also had good performances on the international stage. I expected more clarity about the plan they had for me and more confidence to show myself. That influenced my decision."

In the documentary you say that the history of Kosovo was decisive. What convinced you?

“I studied the history of both countries. Kosovo is a young state that has been through a lot. I talked to people who experienced that time. I realized that if I achieve something with Kosovo, I can make people very proud. This gave me a special feeling.”

Kosovar journalist Jeta Xharra says that you and Leon Avdullahu are 'the soldiers of Kosovo's future.' Was this part of your decision?

“Yes, definitely. 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 encourage young players to believe that even with a smaller country, great things can be achieved.”

Did the public reaction surprise you?

"No. I expected reactions. But I didn't expect that in Switzerland there would be so much debate and fear about losing players with dual passports. There were even threats and very personal messages."

"Yes, on social media. People who said they knew where I and my family lived. But I don't take them too seriously. My family was more affected, but I told them that I made the decision and it's my duty to protect them."

Did your parents influence the decision?

"No, they let me go and supported me regardless of my choice. I made the decision myself."

Do you regret not playing in the World Cup with Switzerland?

"No. I am not a person who regrets. When I make a decision, I support it 100%. Kosovo is still developing and I want to be part of this history."

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