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Myrto Uzuni decided to end his adventure in Spain, to transfer to the US club Austin FC. The latter have paid 12 million euros for the services of the Albanian, from whom they expect a lot. Meanwhile, the footballer from Berat himself has recently spoken at length about his life and career.
In a long interview, Uzuni has revealed his difficulties in life and at the beginning of his career. Among other things, the Albanian national team striker recounts how he took Cristiano Ronaldo's jersey, while also explaining the reasons for his transfer to the United States of America.
Tell us a little about where you grew up, what it's like in Albania, and how you got into playing football?
I am proud to be Albanian! My childhood was not the best, because I don't remember many beautiful moments. We emigrated to Greece, walking in the mountains for three days and, at that time, football was secondary.
Why did you go to Greece?
For a better life, because at that time Albania didn't have many options, outside of Europe and many difficulties. That's how my childhood was.
How old were you?
Almost 10. It was very difficult, because in Greece we all had to work, in different jobs. Migrant jobs, I don't want to mention them here. We were undocumented and had rent to pay.
When did football start to be an option for you?
When I was working in a restaurant. There was a coach there, whom I spoke to. They had seen me playing with some boys in the neighborhood. Then scouts from Olympiacos came to watch me. They invited me to stay for three months on trial, but I didn't have documents and I was burned. Then we decided to return to Albania. I didn't work there, but I started training. I had to pay 12 euros a month to train. I only paid for the first month, while I didn't have to pay for the second. I cried at home and my dad had to find a solution. When I was playing with the youth team, I scored three goals, overturning the score 2-0 and then the Tomori first team took me, giving me a salary of 170 euros a month. For me, it was a big moment, because 50 euros was the rent for the house and I felt proud. That's where I started my career.
Then?
I went to Apolonia in Fier. It was my second team and I stayed for two and a half years. I had several offers and the president wouldn't sell me. I stayed and that season I scored 25 goals. A team from the Superiore like Laçi came there and paid 27 thousand euros for my card.
How did you find out that you were moving abroad?
We played in the Europa League for the first time. We went all the way to the play-offs, we didn't make it to the groups, but it was the first time for Laçi. They were coming from Lokomotiva Zagreb to see me. We were a small club and we thought we were going to lose. This match was 90% ball possession for them and only 10% for us. We didn't have the ball at all, the scout who had come for me was there. We were in the dressing room and they told me that if there's one player who can qualify us today, it's you. In the 89th minute, a cross came and I headed it in, we won 1-0. That was the moment of my life. That changed everything. After that match, Lokomotiva paid 350 thousand euros to buy me.
How did the sequel go?
From that moment on, I was playing well. I scored in the Champions League rounds and went to Hungary to Ferencvaros, while in the groups we were playing against Juventus, who that year was Cristiano Ronaldo, my idol. When I scored and celebrated like him, at one point he said to me: “I'm here, not you!”. I replied: “Calm down, brother!”. Then when we went to the locker room, I told him that I didn't do it against you, but because you're my idol. Everyone, when the match was over, went to him to get his shirt, while he said he would give it to me. My dream came true.
We go to Spain, you signed with Granada, how was it?
I signed on Tuesday and Saturday was the first game against Real Madrid. I had only seen those players on TV. Casemiro, Toni Kroos. The stadium was full, it was crazy. I had a great time in Granada, it will always be my home and I appreciate them for that.
Was moving to the US the right solution?
I didn't come here for a vacation or a better life. I want to improve here, break records and leave my mark. Because in the end we will only be remembered for our names. Now is the time to do well here too. There are only two Albanian footballers in the MLS, me and Vrioni.
What awaits you in Austin?
I have signed a contract and I want us to win as many matches as possible. We have to achieve the objectives. It is not impossible and I believe in myself, in my teammates, in the coach because the people are doing a good job here.
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