Rey Manaj's return is a big boost for the Albanian national team. The striker received the call-up from coach Sylvinho for the two friendlies in March against Chile and Sweden. It was inevitable for him to miss a well-deserved call-up, having scored an impressive 19 goals this season with Sivasspor.
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| Screenshot of Rey Manaj's Instagram while showing himself on plane toward Italy |
Since he is suspended due to cards for the next day's match, the striker has been granted permission by the club to leave a day earlier than his teammates. After this weekend, all leagues pause to make room for the National Teams.
Manaj immediately headed towards Italy, where Albania will play their first test against Chile, in Parma. The first gathering of the national team will start on March 18th, and on March 22nd, the match against the American-Latin team will be played.
The last time Manaj wore the national team jersey was on March 29th, 2022, in a goalless friendly against Georgia.