The Football Federation organized a recognition and thanksgiving event for the former coach of the Albanian National Team, Silvinjo, as well as for the two assistant coaches, Dorival and Pablo Zabaleta, for their contribution and work during their three and a half years at the helm of the Rossoneri.

This activity was attended by the President of the Albanian Football Federation, Armand Duka, members of the Executive Committee, the Albanian Football Federation administration, media representatives, former national team players, sponsors and collaborators of the Federation.

In an atmosphere of appreciation and respect, President Duka thanked the technical staff for the professionalism, dedication and dignified manner in which they represented the red and black jersey, highlighting as a highlight the historic qualification and participation of Albania in Euro 2024. As a sign of gratitude, the President of the Albanian Football Association presented the coaches with a National Team jersey with the inscription "Forever", in appreciation of their contribution to the history of Albanian football.

In his speech, President Duka emphasized that the technical staff has left a mark not only for their sporting results, but also for their dignity, dedication and the way they represented the red and black jersey.
The President of the Albanian Football Association explained that the staff change comes as part of the closing of a cycle and the opening of a new stage for the National Team, not for a lack of results or motivation. In the end, he expressed gratitude to all the staff and wished them success in their careers and lives.

"In this story, you have also taken a part of the history of Albania, a part of our history and of our National Team, which I believe is the most beautiful thing and I believe that it will have adorned you and you will miss it in the future. We are all here today, to thank you for your contribution to Albanian football with the National Team, which is truly the symbol of Albanian football, the symbol of all Albanians. During 3 years, Silvinjo, Doriva and Zabaleta have given a maximum contribution. They have experienced beautiful moments, not only in results.

The result is undoubtedly important, but what remains is the dignity with which they have represented the Albanian jersey. The dedication with which they have worked during these 3 years and, ultimately, our friendship and love remain. The fact that almost all of us from the Albanian Football Association are here to thank them shows that respect is the main thing that remains. During these three years, we have undoubtedly experienced difficult moments, we have also experienced very beautiful moments. The culmination has been the first place in the group in the qualifiers for the European Championship, participation in Euro 2024, a historic moment for all of us. I believe that also for Silvinjo, Dori and Zabaleta, because it is not very easy to have many European or World Championships on your CV. I wish that they have them, I wish that Albania also has them, but it is not very easy.

We have decided to change the staff of the National team, because these are the rules of football, because the football of the National teams is not the same as that of the clubs. In clubs you may have the opportunity to change the players, while in the National team only the staff remains to be changed, because players are not exchanged, sold and bought. This is the slogan that we use: one cycle closes and another cycle opens, for this reason. Not because of the lack of motivation, dedication and results of the National team. Since we are today for this type of change, to thank the staff of the National team, at the same time I would like to thank, because another part of the staff has been replaced.

I would like to thank Ilir Bozhiqi for his contribution to the National team, for more than 3 years, for his work, dedication and professionalism. I would also like to thank Luca Laurenti and Alarico Rossi, who will also be replaced. A very big thank you from me and from the entire FSHF for all your contribution to the National team and, at the same time, I wish you only success in football, but certainly to have a good and healthy life. The door to Albania will be open to you, you will definitely be part of our events at any moment and I wish that we have only beautiful moments and moments of joy. Thank you once again to everyone and congratulations!", said President Duka.

 

Silvinjo expressed his happiness and pride for his time at the helm of the Albanian National Team, emphasizing that beyond the sporting results, what will always remain in his heart are the human relations and daily cooperation with the staff of the Albanian Football Association. The Brazilian coach thanked all the Federation employees for their support and appreciated the spirit of unity that, according to him, has accompanied the team throughout its journey.

"When someone takes on a job, they take on it to do it 100% of the time. There are times when things go well, there are times when they don't. That's football. I have a very difficult profession, many of you here know that. Now we're talking about 3 and a half years. I'm absolutely happy with what we've done. We've said from day one that "We are one".

I would not like to talk about Euro 2024, the World Cup qualifiers or the play-off phase. I would like to talk about more than 100 people who live and work for the Federation. I had the opportunity to have a nice conversation and drink a coffee with many of you. I still remember that 3 years ago, on the fourth floor where the president is, there was a coffee shop. At 9 in the morning I would go there and, day after day, I drank coffee with each of you and I listened to each of you working in that beautiful workplace. It will always remain in my heart. Beyond everything we have seen here, which is beautiful, exciting, but especially you, the human relationship, I will never forget this. I have each of you in my heart. Thank you very much, goodbye!", - said Silvinho.

 

Dorival expressed his emotions and gratitude for the period spent in Albania, thanking all the employees of the Albanian Football Association for their hospitality and daily cooperation. He emphasized that the experience with the Albanian National Team will remain one of the most special memories of his life and career.

"Many emotions. I would like to thank everyone who works in the Federation. It has been a great pleasure to be part of this country, to live here, to meet each of you every day; this made me happy. I am grateful to God that I have had this experience in my life and that it will always remain in my heart.", - said Doriva.

 

Pablo Zabaleta praised the role and dedication of all the people working in the Federation, emphasizing that every success of the National Team is the result of joint work. The former Argentine defender expressed his gratitude for the past period in Albania and underlined that the connection with the AFF and with our country will always remain special for him.

"I will speak in English, because I am not as good as Silvinjo and Dori in Italian. For me it is the same. I want to say something: every organization is made up of people. Of course, success is on the field and it helps, but every organization is made up of people. The dedication, the passion and every success behind the team are all of you, each and every one of you in the Federation. As Silvio and Dori said, I have been very lucky to be part of this country, of this Federation. It is something that will stay with me forever.

President, just one ticket for me for each match, at least one ticket. I don't want three or four, but at least send me a ticket to any part of the stadium, no problem.
I'm sure that when you've had such a good time in a place, you'll always want to come back at some point. I'm sure Silvio, Dori and I will be back in a few days, to have a coffee, to meet each and every one of you, and I hope that happens soon. Thanks again and good luck in the future.", said Zabaleta.