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Anis Mehmeti reveals Euro 2024 snub as Albania international impresses for Bristol City
Bristol City’s Anis Mehmeti has revealed that his omission from Albania’s squad for the European Championships last summer was mental setback for the winger.
The 23-year-old has appeared three times for the Eagles but has missed out on a call-up to the squad for close to a year.
After first getting the national team nod in 2023, Mehmeti has always been hoping to continue to represent his family’s country on the world stage.
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“It’s been tough,” the London-born playmaker admitted after his side’s 2-0 victory over Norwich City on Saturday.
“I didn’t go to the Euros and that really set me back mentally because I thought that I was going to go to the Euros and then I haven’t been called up since. But I can’t control that. All I can do is try to score goals and play my football and let the rest take care of itself.”
Mehmeti’s performances have been steadily improving over time.
Under previous manager Nigel Pearson, who brought him to BS3 on deadline day in the 2023 January transfer window, the winger struggled to make his mark and fell out of favour at Ashton Gate.
Since current head coach Liam Manning’s arrival a year ago, though, Mehmeti has become a key member of the squad under the new style of play.
The Robins no.11 has now bagged two goals in his last two games, a penalty against promotion-chasers Sheffield United and a well-taken strike at Norwich, and is hoping that his fine form will put his name back in the mind of Albania manager Sylvinho.
“Of course [I want to get back to playing for Albania],” Mehmeti said, his words clearly of pure intention.
“It’s my dream and my family’s dream to represent my country but they obviously don’t see that at the minute. It just motivates me to work even harder and show them what they’re missing out on.
“I hope they’re seeing it.”
The Reds win against the Canaries has sent them into the final international break of the calendar in sound spirits.
Surely, though, seeing teammates come and go from their duties with their respective national teams will make even more hungry to display his qualities for the Albania boss.
Sylvinho’s Red and Blacks went crashing out of the Euros at the group stage, albeit fighting in a group containing Spain, Croatia and Italy.
But who knows what Mehmeti’s trickery and nimbleness could have done for Albania.
He may have been able to change the point against Croatia into three to shock such a tough group.
As the winger says, though, with credit to his professional mindset, his selection is out of his hands and if he continues with his current form in the next game against Burnley and beyond, who know what the future could hold?
