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| PHOTO of Vedat Muriqi with a pirate hat on his head |
In recent days, some Bosnian media have stirred up controversy by suggesting that Vedat Muriqi, the Albanian striker and fan-favorite at RCD Mallorca, may have been the reason behind the departure of three Serbian players from the La Liga club. The report, originating from the Bosnian outlet *Sportba*, claims that Muriqi's growing influence and popularity among the Mallorca fanbase created an uncomfortable environment for the Serbian players, ultimately leading to their exit.
Vedat Muriqi has established himself as the most important player for Mallorca in recent seasons. Despite facing some performance fluctuations due to injuries, Muriqi ended last season on a high note. He notably scored in the 1-1 draw against Real Madrid and provided an assist in Mallorca's victory over Leganés. These performances have solidified his status as a key player for the club.
Mallorca's fans have embraced Muriqi wholeheartedly, even bestowing upon him the nickname "The Pirate." His charismatic presence and consistent performances have made him an idol at the club, winning over the hearts of the supporters. However, according to *Sportba*, this newfound adoration for Muriqi may have caused friction within the squad, particularly with the Serbian players.
Last season, Mallorca's roster included three Serbian players: goalkeeper Predrag Rajković, winger Nemanja Radonjić, and defender Matija Nastasić. All three players have since left the club during the summer transfer window—Rajković moving to Al Ittihad, Radonjić transferring to Torino, and Nastasić departing in the final days of the market.
The Bosnian media outlet suggests that the simultaneous departure of these players is no coincidence. According to their sources, the Serbian trio allegedly struggled to cope with the rising influence of Muriqi, who had become the team's most important player and a symbol of the club's aspirations.
"It would be quite the coincidence for three players of the same nationality to leave the club within such a short period," *Sportba* notes. "Fans believe the reason lies with Vedat Muriqi."
Whether or not these claims hold any truth remains to be seen, but the narrative highlights the extent of Muriqi's impact at Mallorca. As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on "The Pirate" to see if he can continue to lead his team and maintain his status as a fan favorite.