Armando Broja had the opportunity to represent England at international level but declined to do so in order to play for Albania - the country where his parents hail from
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DUSSELDORF, GERMANY - JUNE 24: Armando Broja of Albania looks dejected during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Albania and Spain at Düsseldorf Arena on June 24, 2024 in Dusseldorf, Germany. (Photo by sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Armando Broja played for Albania at Euro 2024(Image: sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Armando Broja admitted it was his Albanian heritage that made rejecting England at the international level an "easy decision". The Chelsea striker, who is currently on loan to Everton, was born and raised in Slough to Albanian parents from the town of Koplik.
Despite his eligibility to represent the country of his birth, the 23-year-old decided in 2019 that he would only want to play for Albania. He therefore declined an invitation to join up with the England Under-21s. Broja made his senior debut for the international team in 2020 and has gone to score five goals in 23 games, as well as representing his country at Euro 2024.
He could now come back to haunt the Three Lions, who host Albania in their first World Cup qualifier at Wembley on Friday night. Although with just 261 minutes of action for the Toffees so far this season, he could have to settle for a place on the bench.
Broja previously explained the reasons behind his decision when he told Goal: "It is a big decision, of course, when you choose your country to play for. I went for it because I have got Albanian blood in me.
"I am Albanian, my parents are Albanian so it was an easy decision. I thought I would love to make the people there proud and make my parents proud. I wanted to lift Albania up as a country to get us to the World Cup or Euros. That’s the biggest thing for them."
Broja achieved that dream last year when Albania made their second appearance at the European Championships. They were placed in the so-called 'Group of Death' alongside Spain, Italy, and Croatia. "If we got to the World Cup, it would be crazy and we would make history," he added.
"We have never got there before so it would be something crazy as a country, you know. My parents are Albanian, I am Albanian and I have a lot of family in Albania. I visited there every year so it is really a big part of my life."
Armando Broja in action for Everton
Broja's loan to Everton hasn't gone to plan(Image: Getty Images)
While Albania finished bottom of their Euros group, they put forward a good account of themselves, narrowly losing 2-1 to the then-reigning champions Italy, being bested 1-0 by eventual winners Spain, and drawing 2-2 with Croatia. They're now aiming for their first World Cup finals appearance in Canada, Mexico and the United States next summer, with Latvia, Andorra and Serbia also in their qualification group.
Having been sent out on loan four times by parent club Chelsea, Broja currently plays for the Toffees but has seen his season so far decimated by injuries. He's played in just eight games this season with his last club goal coming in January 2024 when he scored in the Blues' 4-0 win over Preston in the FA Cup.
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