One of the "oldest" in the National team, but he is also going to the European one for the first time. Berat Gjimshiti was left out of the list in 2016, when the Reds and Blacks marked the first historic participation in a major competition.
He, Milot Rashica, Amir Rrahmani and Herolind Shala were cut at the last moment by the coach at the time, Xhani De Biazi. That photo of the four, as they left the National Team, is still imprinted in the eyes of red and black fans. Rashica, Rrahmani and Shala went to Kosovo, Gjimshiti stayed. And he did very well. Here came the moment of revenge for the tall defender...
With the captain's armband on his arm, Berat Gjimshiti will be at the European Championship in Germany next summer. A moment of pride for the player himself, but also for the fans, who applaud him as they see him on the field to become the leader of Albania. For the game definitely, but more for his character.
Berat Gjimshiti lowered his head when he learned that he would not be in France 2016, he did not cause any controversy. He continued his work with persistence and here he is today: captain of an Albania that is beautiful to look at and competitive, of course.
The defender has received what was denied him 7 years ago, unfairly for the majority of Albanian football fans. There was a heated discussion at the time that Gjimshiti deserved to be on the list before Veseli, but even coaches have their 'fixations' and 'whims'. This is another discussion and now it is of little importance.
Berat Gjimshiti is now among the 'first violins' of a different National Team, with a much more charming profile and who is not afraid of any opponent. The most patriotic player by name, showed by his actions that he is just as patriotic towards the red and black jersey. God and football gave him what he deserved, perhaps more than anyone else.