Dear friends,

Honorable Chairman of the Football Federation,

Dear players of the National Football Team,

 

Welcome home,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs!

I am delighted to welcome our national team, whose players, with their presence at the European Championship, wrote the history of a European-spirited, civilized Albania, which knows how to play and enjoy football.

You managed to upraise Albania on one of the highest pedestals of sports image in the world. The spirit of sacrifice, team work, self-confidence and extraordinary dedication to overcome challenges; these are the best messages which show that we have every opportunity to move forward as a nation, not just in football.

There are no words to describe the pride we felt at watching your game and contending: the running of Lenjani, determination of Ajeti, accuracy of Mavraj, sacrifice of Sadiku, vision of Memushaj, wanderings of De Biasi and especially- the exemplary behavior of Albanian fans, also echoed and reflected in the global media.

 

Guys,

Your journey to France has also been a journey for all Albanians, mind and soul, with you, towards Europe.

You managed to accomplish what is still taboo to politics: the worthy representation of all Albanians, wherever they are, by becoming the national team of all Albanian people.

Diplomacy has many faces; it is economic, public, digital, energy and so on. But it can also be carried out through sport, and in this regard, you have proven yourselves to be ambassadors of our country.

Your contribution to conveying the values and true image of Albania and Albanians in the world is priceless.

In this context, I would like to thank you once again for your active participation in the “Colours of Albania” contest, organized by the MFA for the second consecutive year. This contest is a good opportunity to promote Albania, without complexes or hesitancy.

Despite not playing football, the MFA is also somehow engaged in “our own European Championship”. Receiving the candidate country status in 2013 was like passing a qualifying phase. Now we are left with the difficult task of entering the EU – Albania’s membership in the European Union. And for this, we need the assistance and contribution of everyone, by following your example.

 

Dear members of the national team,

You were not alone and you will never be alone, just like the words of the Liverpool anthem “You Will Never Walk Alone”.  The entire Albania follows and supports you.

Thank you for your worthy representation and for making us feel proud!