Right-back Cendrim Kameraj, who was once one of the great promises of Swiss football, was forced to retire in the summer of 2024, at just 25 years of age, after a series of serious injuries that marked his career.
In just seven years, his life took a radical turn: three torn ligaments ended his career prematurely. Today, away from the stadiums, he works for a construction company.
“Maybe I could have been more patient or listened to my body better before. But I don’t blame myself; I did what I thought was right at the time. Regret doesn’t change the past,” he explained in an interview with Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
What impressed me most about Cristiano was his mentality: he never stopped and always demanded more of himself
In 2018, at just 19 years of age, Kameraj made the leap from Swiss side Luzern to Juventus’ youth ranks, where he played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
“When I received the offer from Juventus it was like a dream. At first I couldn’t believe it. I felt proud, excited and also nervous, because I knew it was a big step,” he says.
Training with Cristiano Ronaldo
Training alongside Cristiano was an experience that marked him deeply: “It was surreal, something special. His energy drove you to give more. What impressed me most was his mentality: he never stopped and always demanded more of himself. He once told me: ‘Talent is nothing without consistency and hard work’. That phrase stuck with me. Seeing how he prepared taught me what it really means to be a professional.”
After his spell in Italy, he returned to Switzerland and also played in Kosovo, a country of which he is a national through his family background. He also represented both countries at youth level.
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