An article from the prestigious Italian "Gazzeta Dello Sport" was dedicated to Armando Broja, right on the eve of the European Championship.
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This media presents Broja as Milan's number one target and quotes some of his moments, wanting to introduce the Albanian footballer to the Italians, where the possibility of his young fans is not excluded.
"I am very proud when I play for Albania. I can become an icon and not be forgotten for life... When my career is over I want my name to never be forgotten! I do this for Albania and my father", said Broja for "Gazzetta dello Sport".
We emphasize that Armando Broja was raised by his father Xhevahir Broja with a great love for his homeland that he would never reject.
Here are the main points of the article:
For Armando Broja, the power of reflection and consideration has always been a guiding force. This mindset, combined with a wealth of lived experience and hard-earned wisdom, has shaped his journey. Recently, he faced a significant crossroads, demonstrating once again the depth of his character and commitment. "With Albania, I feel an incredible pride. You can become a star and remain an icon for eternity. When my career is over, I want my name to continue to live on. For Albania, for my father," Broja remarked, highlighting his deep connection to his heritage.
The Chelsea striker was born and raised in England, yet he never hesitated to don the red and black of his ancestral homeland. These colors may feature prominently in his future, with an Italian summer on the horizon, both on the field and in the transfer market. It’s no secret that Broja is among the profiles evaluated by AC Milan for the upcoming season. While the club prepares a move for Zirkzee, they are also looking to complement their squad with another striker, and Broja’s name has consistently appeared on the radar of Serie A clubs. Previously linked with Napoli and Roma, Milan has shown the most persistent interest in securing his talents.
Broja’s summer promises to advance with Italy in the backdrop, especially as the UEFA European Championship unfolds. He is gearing up for his first major tournament with Albania, one of the standout players in Sylvinho’s ambitious national team. In a twist of fate, Albania’s debut match in Germany will be against Italy, led by Luciano Spalletti, on June 15th. This encounter presents Broja with another opportunity to showcase his skills and hint at a possible future in Serie A.
Armando Broja’s journey is a tale of rapid progress and unexpected halts, originating from his birthplace in Slough, Berkshire, an hour’s drive from London. Born on September 10, 2001, Broja’s path to professional football began early. In an interview with The Players' Tribune, he shared an anecdote that highlighted the crucial role of his parents: "When I hit a growth spurt around 16, my dad worried I might lose speed. Pace was one of my biggest strengths, so he took me for hill training. An hour at a time, until exhaustion. Sometimes, when I was about to give up, he’d say, 'No, keep going. One more, or the defenders will catch you.' We now joke that my success is only 50% mine; the other half belongs to him and my mom."
Broja’s footballing idols include the legendary Ronaldo, thanks to his father’s passion. Initially scouted by Tottenham, he joined Chelsea at the age of eight. A Chelsea fan, he rose through the ranks of the club’s youth system, making his first-team debut under Frank Lampard on March 8, 2020, in a 4-0 victory over Everton. Seeking to gain valuable experience, he went on loan to Vitesse in the Netherlands, where he scored 11 goals in 34 matches. Another loan spell at Southampton followed, where he impressed with 9 goals in 38 appearances, notably becoming the first Albanian to score in the Premier League, crucial in a win against Leeds in October 2021.
Returning to Chelsea, Broja seemed poised for a breakthrough. Under Thomas Tuchel and later Graham Potter, he began to make his mark. However, a significant setback occurred during a friendly against Aston Villa in Abu Dhabi on December 11, 2022. A knee injury ended his season prematurely. "It’s a huge shock - I’ve always been fairly healthy with only minor injuries," Broja recalled. The injury, a ruptured cruciate ligament, was a severe blow: "After surgery, I was bedridden for about two weeks. One of the worst times in my life, horrible. My mom had to rush around the house to get me my meds and food. It was a struggle. You feel almost useless."
This lengthy hiatus marked a dark period in Broja’s career, but he returned to the pitch last summer to train with Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino. Despite earning some opportunities and scoring 2 goals in 19 appearances by January, he decided a change of scenery was needed for a fresh start. Moving to Fulham, he played 8 matches, but his stint was largely uneventful.
Now, Broja stands at another critical juncture, with Milan ready to seize the opportunity. His next big chance will come against Italy, perhaps donning the rossoneri colors. The future remains open, filled with potential for the resilient forward.