Albania's warm welcome for Michel Platini
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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Albania reserved a warm welcome for UEFA President Michel Platini on his arrival in the country for a historic two-day visit which includes talks with government and football leaders including president Bamir Topi.
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Historic day
Mr Platini and the UEFA delegation were welcomed in the capital Tirana by the president of the Football Association of Albania (FSHF), Armand Duka, and other association officials. "It is an historic day for the Albanian people and Albanian soccer," said Mr Duka. "We are a small country, but this shows how important all associations are for UEFA and Mr Platini, irrespective of their size."
Helping youth football
The UEFA President told his hosts: "I have been in Albania many times before – but this is the first time that I have come as President of UEFA. The purpose of my visit is to help in the work that the Albanian association and sports ministry can do in developing youth soccer and nurturing young players."
Pitch inauguration
Mr Platini held a meeting with Mr Duka and other Albanian FA officials, in which the situation of football in Albania was examined. He then went on to nearby Durres to participate on the inauguration of the pitch in the Niko Dovana Stadium, which UEFA helped fund through its HatTrick project for its 53 national associations.
Talks with sports minister
Mr Platini returned to Tirana to meet Albania's minister of tourism, youth, culture and sport Ylli Pango, in which the two men discussed Albanian football affairs and the development of youth football in the country.
Meeting with Albania's president
A warm and friendly atmosphere was evident when Mr Platini met the President of the Republic of Albania Bamir Topi, a keen football fan, who welcomed the support of UEFA and Mr Platini in helping and supporting the nation's football. Mr Platini, for his part, spoke of the honour he felt in meeting the Albanian president, and praised efforts being made to find positive solutions for the good of the country's game.
Assembly address
On Wednesday, Mr Platini will address the FSHF general assembly before flying to Bulgaria for the second stage of his four-nation visit. On Thursday, the UEFA President will travel to Romania, and completes his trip by visiting the Czech Republic on Friday and Saturday.