Assessment for the AFF, Luis Figo: A big change has happened in Albania

2025-09-11 16:04:00, Sport CNA

This Thursday was different for the Football Federation, as big names in European football landed at its headquarters. Alongside UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, representatives of European federations and UEFA ambassadors were present in Tirana as part of the children's football festival, part of the "Football in Schools" program.

The activity was also accompanied by the development of a football match attended by President Ceferin, Luís Figo, Aljosa Asanovic, the coach of the Albanian National Team Silvinjo, the two assistant coaches Zabaleta and Doriva, Jahmir Hyka and children from local schools.

After the match, in a statement to the media, Luis Figo, UEFA ambassador and one of the greatest legends of European football, expressed his happiness for his presence in Tirana today.

"Since the last time I was here, I see a big change. I'm very happy to be here. Every time I come, I feel a lot of support from everyone who loves football."

The Portuguese legend praised young Albanian athletes, advising them to find a balance between education and sports in life.

"They are very young, but I think that, like in any other country, the most important thing is to find a balance between education and sports. If you study and dedicate time to your lessons, while also playing sports, especially football, it is even better."

"I think the most important thing, not only in sports but also in life, is passion for what you do. It doesn't matter if it's sports or another area of ??life. You have to work hard and follow your dreams. With these two ingredients, I believe it's much easier to achieve your goals."

UEFA Ambassador Aljosa Asanovic expressed his happiness to be in Albania for the children's football festival, describing the program as a wonderful opportunity for children and schools. He praised the progress of Albanian football, the good work of the President and the positive performances of the Albanian National Team at Euro 2024.

"I'm so happy to be here. It's a wonderful program for the children, for the schools and for everyone here. After the ceremony I'm staying here and enjoying my time with the children. We're here for the children."

"Very positive things and I saw this in the last European Championship. In Germany we saw the good performance of your team and you have a very good coach, also a good president. Just keep going like this and very soon we will see Albanian teams at the top", said Aljosa Asanovic.

The Ambassador of the Albanian Football Federation, Jahmir Hyka, in his statement during the children's football festival, expressed his satisfaction with the organization and the large participation of children. He emphasized the importance of caring for and educating the younger generation, emphasizing that first the love and respect for sport must be educated and then the teaching of football. Hyka expressed his belief that these initiatives will help create a better future for children and Albanian football.

"It's always a pleasure to be here among the children and to create these beautiful organizations for the children. It's a pleasure and I was very happy that there was so much participation, I hope there will be in the future as well."

"It's a generation that needs a lot of care because times have changed a little since our generation. We are trying to educate them first, then teach them to play football. I hope they will have a good future," said Jahmir Hyka.