After decades of trying, failing and nobody noticing the Republika e Shqipërisë have finally qualified for their first ever international tournament. It’s a shame King Zog never lived to see them qualify, although it’s not that big a shame tbh because all I wanted was an excuse to point out that they once had a king called Zog.
Albania’s third king was actually English ‘comedy star’ Norman Wisdom. Wisdom was hugely popular during Albania’s time as a communist dictatorship and took over as king when the commies all ran away in the early 90’s. He once appeared on the pitch before the start of the Albania v England match wearing a half-Albanian and half-English football shirt. He was well received by the crowd, especially when he performed one of his trademark trips on his way out to the centre circle, putting Darren Anderton out for 12 months with knee ligament damage.
Like many of the minnows who never/rarely qualify for the Euro’s, Albania draw a short straw when it comes to kit manufacturers. This latest kit is made by Macron. Macron? Turns-out Macron is an Italian brand not one from the Philippines. File with Errea.
Featuring a ‘subliminated’ double-headed Albanian eagle on the front it also has ‘Ti Shqiperi me jep nder’ (Albania gives me the horn) written in the collar. They’ve actually got three kits and I’m not sure which of the three is the away one but to be honest it’s an Albania kit…none of you are really arsed.
