The Sport Centrum Kaiserau, where the team is staying, is decorated with red and black colors, the national colors of Albania, creating a lively atmosphere for the team.

Speaking at a press conference, Abania’s midfielder Ylber Ramadani commented on the fantastic atmosphere prevailing within the red and black camp, the competition within the squad and their first Euro 2024 game against Italy in Dortmund on June 15.

“The atmosphere is overwhelming. We arrived in Germany a day ago and we have a day off today. We were extended an incredible reception upon our landing in Germany. It is really an overwhelming feeling,” Ramadani said.

Lecce ‘s defensive midfielder voiced optimism about the team’s first match against Italy, saying the Red and Blacks will Albania will have to do their best and take their chances against defending champions.

“It is a very special game as we will be playing against Europe’s defending champions. We will enter the pitch trying to do our utmost and take our chances for every possible point. We should give 100% ourselves to succeed in our attempts,” Ramadani said.

The midfielder also said that it was a dream that has come true for him to represent the Albanian nation in this major European tournament.

Albania’s participation at Euro 2024 is only their second appearance in a major tournament and they face an extremely difficult group against defending champions Italy along with Spain and Croatia in Group B. However, their combined efforts have turned Albania into a stern, tough-to-beat squad.

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Accompanied by President of the Albanian Weightlifting Federation Elez Gjoza, Ramadani met Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj, who evaluated highly his success and sacrifices made.

“You have made us proud because you did not only lift weights, but you also lifted our hearts high. Therefore, we are truly grateful! I understand that you have a passion for weightlifting and you don’t do it under any obligation”, emphasized Veliaj.

The mayor underlined that in recent years we have had the largest funding in sports ever made in our city.

He assured that funding for sports and athletes will not stop here and that the good work done with the Olympic Park and the stadium will continue in the future.

He expressed his belief that young talents like Kristi Ramadani will take ahead Albanian sports and the rich legacy of athletes like Briken Çalja and Erkand Qerimaj.

President of the Albanian Weightlifting Federation Elez Gjoza positively assessed the cooperation with the municipality of Tirana, enabling the regular sponsorship of young athletes.

Meanwhile, the runner-up of Europe, Kristi Ramadani, said that this is a dream come true and thanked the municipality of Tirana for the support./k.s/p.s./