Duke: I was with my heart in my hand until the end. Silvinjo? We both cried...

2025-10-11 23:50:00, Sport CNA

The minimal victory over Serbia has left the president of the Albanian Football Association, Armand Duka, very satisfied.

In a statement given to Tv Klan, the football head emphasized that he was with his heart in his hand until the end, while revealing that he celebrated a lot when Manaj scored.

According to him, Albania has made it more than halfway to the World Cup, but there is still work to be done.

Asked about Silvinjo, Duka said that they both cried before meeting the boys.

"There was a lot of emotion during the game. Now that I think about it, we deserved the victory. We managed it well. I was with my heart in my hand until the end. I was very happy with Manaj's goal. I had told him that I expected two goals, but he scored one. He kept his word. There is no coach who trusts the country if he doesn't deserve it.

We need to start thinking about Andorra now. The kids have a right to celebrate. I don't see it as a historic victory. I see it as a victory that keeps us in the play-offs and keeps us in the World Cup race. We're more than halfway there.

To continue, you have to give Andorra the maximum and play all your cards against England. After the holiday, let's start thinking about the next match.

For reasons of history and the match in 2014, the organization has contributed to football. I am happy that it was a match that gave positive marks to football. Today was a perfect organization. I want to thank the Serbian Federation for the organization shown. We have not had any problems with the footballers even in Tirana. This match passed the class with a positive mark.

The measures were strict. They were concerned about returning what we showed them in Albania. We agreed to play in this stadium. It was their proposal. If there were more fans, Serbia would have more pressure.

"This was not a gift for me, but for them. For their parents, for themselves and for the Albanian people. Silvinjo and I both cried before we met the boys. We will try to leave as soon as possible," declared Duka.