Romanian journalist for Telegrafi: Kosovar footballers are leaving their mark in Romania - he singles out one of them and mentions the transfer worth close to 1 million euros 

Radu Stroe, a sports journalist from the well-known Romanian media outlet Sport.ro, in an interview with Telegrafi shared his assessments of the impact and development of Kosovar footballers in the Romanian championship.

According to him, the presence of names like Astrit Selmani, Meriton Korenica, Lindon Emërllahu this season - but also of footballers who have already left like Albion Rrahmani, Ermal Krasniqi, Armend Thaqi, Albin Berisha and Florent Hasani - shows that the interest of Romanian elite clubs in players from Kosovo is growing.

"If we look at how many footballers from Kosovo have managed to play in Romanian football, it is clear that Liga 1 teams are following them with great interest. Transfers like those of Rrahman and Krasniqi prove the quality they bring. In fact, it is very rare for a Romanian team to pay large sums for a player who comes from within the championship. Around one million euros were paid for Hazrollaj, and this speaks volumes about the appreciation they receive," said Radu Stroe.

He is optimistic about the future of Kosovo football and believes that further development is only a matter of time. He cites the matches between Cluj and Balkan as examples of the growth of Kosovo football, as well as the matches at the national level between Romania and Kosovo.

"I am convinced that the quality exists, but it is a process. Over time, Kosovar football will develop even more, both at the club level and with the national team. Let's not forget that three years ago, CFR Cluj - the champion of Romania at the time - was put in difficulty by the Balkans. Even in the national team matches, the duels have been equal," Stroe declared for Telegrafi.

When asked about Kosovar players who have excelled in Romania, Stroe focuses particularly on Astrit Selmani, whom he highly values ​​not only as a footballer, but also for his personality.

Read too Astrit Selmani will leave Dinamo, the first three Polish clubs after him

"I personally like Astrit Selmani a lot, also because I have a sympathy for Dinamo. He didn't shine in the first months, but then he became an irreplaceable player and very beloved by the fans. He has even said that one day he would like to return to Dinamo, either as a player or in some other role at the club - and this says a lot about him as a person. There are many moments when he tries to take responsibility and strongly motivates his teammates," he underlined.

Asked about the atmosphere towards Kosovar players in Romania, the Romanian journalist ruled out any form of prejudice or bad treatment. According to him, players from Kosovo are quite well-liked in Romania.

"All Kosovar footballers are highly valued and respected in Romania. There have never been any incidents of insults towards them. What happened in the Romania-Kosovo match was the work of some ultra-nationalist groups and had nothing to do with football. I hope that such cases will not be repeated again, and that everything will be decided on the playing field", concludes Radu Stroe.

Read too From the conversation with Albion Rrahmani, to the level of Romanian football and expectations - Hazrollaj talks about it all at Rapidi

Astrit Selmani will leave Dinamo Bucharest for a new adventure, while Meriton Korenica and Lindon Emërllahu are under contract with Cluj. In the summer, Drilon Hazrollaj will also join Dinamo Bucharest from Kosovo. /Telegraph/