Plague year & Champions League: Valon Ahmedi's turbulent time

The weight that fell from Valon Ahmedi's shoulders on the evening of May 6th was enormous. On the one hand, because he and his club NK Maribor won the title in the top Slovenian league thanks to the 2-2 draw against ND Gorcia, thus setting a milestone in his career. On the other hand, because he made his first appearance of the season on matchday 32 after a long injury misery. What's more: just a few minutes before the end, it was the young Albanian who prepared the 2-2 equalizer in an exemplary manner with a corner cross, thereby contributing his part to the mathematical certainty of the championship title and putting the football-crazy city in a celebratory mood.

“The hardest time of my career” The difficult months, the time without football – they were forgotten in that moment. In the previous six months, Ahmedi, who grew up in South Tyrol, played for Kastelbell Tschars for a long time, but was then unable to assert himself at FC Südtirol and moved to NK Celje in the Slovenian first league, experienced “the most difficult time of his career. “Several muscle injuries repeatedly set him back and ensured that he was only able to make his first appearances for record champions Maribor, who signed him last winter thanks to his strong performances at Celje, in the final phase of the season.

Despite the long break, he hasn't lost any of his quality - that became clear in the five appearances at the end of the season. “The coach and the club have more trust in me again and it was good for me to be back on the pitch anyway,” explains Ahmedi. Before the new season, the 22-year-old is full of energy - also, or especially because of the Champions League. Next Wednesday he will start qualifying with Maribor. In the first leg of the second round they will be guests at Bosnian champions HSK Zrinjski Mostar. “Playing in the Champions League is the highest level of emotions. We have a quick-witted team, so I have confidence that we can get through qualifying,” said the offensive player. “Then a childhood dream would come true for me.” And the fairy tale of Valon Ahmedi would be enriched by another chapter.

Want to learn more about Ahmedi’s story? A detailed portrait can be found here.

SN/td

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

Plague year & Champions League: Valon Ahmedi's turbulent time

Suggestions

Comments (0)