Vedat Muriqi's World Cup Dream: "I want to retire after playing for Kosovo"

Vedat Muriqi, the prolific striker for Mallorca and the Kosovo national team, is currently enjoying his most successful season in front of goal and harbors a profound dream. He has openly expressed his desire to conclude his professional career after participating in a FIFA World Cup with his home country. "I would like to end my career this way, playing a World Cup with Kosovo. To be able to say: 'That's it, I've accomplished everything.' And then go rest. I'm not sure if I would continue beyond that," Muriqi stated. These striking remarks hint at a potential retirement should he achieve his ambition of playing in the prestigious global tournament.

For Kosovo to reach the World Cup, they face a challenging path. First, they must triumph over Slovakia in the playoff semifinals, a match that would pit Muriqi against his Mallorca teammate Martin Valjent. Should they succeed, they would then need to defeat the winner of the other playoff tie between Turkey and Romania. Muriqi acknowledges the formidable task ahead: "If we manage to win and reach the final, Turkey has an excellent team. The same goes for Romania; we've played against them and never managed to win."

"Now, it's hard for me to get much sleep after a game. I leave all my energy on the field."

Muriqi

Delving deeper into his thoughts, the Kosovar forward also shared his perspective on the importance of rest days for footballers: "It's difficult for me to sleep much after a match now. I expend all my energy. Years ago, I always felt very fresh and eager to train, but now my body demands more rest. I need two full days to recover properly. The desire is still there, though. I'd love to play in the World Cup and, two years later, qualify for the European Championship, but one has to be realistic. I'd like to play in the World Cup and then, if I decide to retire, it would be with much greater peace of mind, having fulfilled my dream."

His Best Goal-Scoring Season Yet

Muriqi had never before reached the impressive tally of 18 goals in a single season. He has achieved this milestone now, at a crucial time with Mallorca battling to avoid relegation and as he approaches his 32nd birthday. "I am very proud of myself for competing in one of the strongest leagues in the world, for being second in the race for the Pichichi trophy, and having Lamine Yamal and other great stars behind me. I feel good, and my country is also proud of me. I believe this season will be the most special of my entire career, especially considering I only scored seven goals in each of the previous two years. Now I have 18 goals, and I'll strive to score many more in the remaining games," expressed the striker.

"I am very proud of myself... for being second in the Pichichi race and having Lamine Yamal behind me, as well as other great stars."

Muriqi