"I dream of the World Cup", Kumbulla talks about his past: Until the age of 18 I did not have an Italian passport, that's why I chose Albania

Marash Kumbulla, born in Peschiera del Garda and raised in Italy, has chosen to play for the Albanian national team, the country of his parents. In an interview with TMW, the defender, who has played for Roma and Hellas Verona, explained that this choice was not so much a “crossing of the flag” as a matter of family ties. Until the age of 18, he did not even have an Italian passport, and since the age of 14, the Albanian national team had invited him, an invitation he gladly accepted due to his strong family ties. Despite potential interest from Italy when he started playing in Serie A, Kumbulla decided to continue with Albania, out of gratitude to those who believed in him from the beginning. For him, this was never a real “choice”, but a natural continuation of his journey with Albania, a decision that makes him happy.

When discussing the possibility of qualifying for the World Cup, Kumbulla expressed the idea that it would be a historic achievement for Albania. The team is aware of the difficulties, as they are in a group with very strong teams, but the hope is high. The match against Serbia, to be played in June, will probably be decisive for second place in the group, with England looking set to win the group. Despite the challenge, Kumbulla stressed that in Albania there is great faith, with a little superstition, and a conviction that qualification is possible.

Regarding a possibility of a showdown against Italy at the World Cup, Kumbulla declared that it would be a dream: "It would be fantastic, maybe," he said with a smile, hinting at hopes for a historic meeting between the two national teams.

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