Behrami makes Albania pledge
Lazio midfielder Valon Behrami admits his heart lies with Albania and not Switzerland.
Lazio midfielder Valon Behrami admits his heart lies with Albania and not Switzerland, who he represents at Under-21 level.The talented schemer, born in Kosovo, has been a regular for Switzerland Under-21s but it is Albania who he is keen to represent on the full stage.
Behrami holds a Swiss passport but concedes he is aiming to secure an Albanian equivalent and that, should Switzerland boss Koebi Kuhn come calling, he will decline his advances.
''A few days ago I was asked what I feel when I hear the Albanian anthem and if it is the same as when I'm on the pitch and I hear the Swiss one,'' Behrami told Corriere dello Sport.
''The Albanian one gives me goosebumps. This is the difference. For my lawyers, it is possible they are asking for a new passport.
''I have a document to sign and then it will be sent to Fifa. To obtain their okay it will probably take a month. The Swiss? They can achieve the World Cup.
''To obtain an Albanian passport I have to leave the group. But the national team is not a priority. My first thought is to do well for Lazio.
''Should Swiss coach Kuhn decide to call me for the France match - I won't go.''
