Kosovo coach Franco Foda has reacted to captain Amir Rrahmani’s decision to retire from the national team, denying that his departure could be followed by other players leaving or boycotting the team.

Foda said Rrahmani personally informed him of his decision, which the Kosovo captain linked to the continued leadership of the Kosovo Football Federation by its current officials.

“Everything is very emotional in Kosovo. The fact is that Amir Rrahmani has resigned. He informed me personally about this,” Foda told CANAL+ during the Europa League match between Sturm Graz and Rennes.

The German coach stressed that Rrahmani’s decision would not affect the rest of the squad and said he expects all invited players to report for the next training camp.

“But all the players who are fit and whom I invite will be there on Monday and will prepare for the matches together with me,” he added.

Foda also dismissed reports of a possible new wave of departures from the Kosovo national team.

“There is a lot of drama that is being exaggerated. The idea that even more players want to boycott the national team is not true,” the coach stressed.

Foda’s comments were also reported on Thursday by Austrian outlet Laola1.

The Kosovo coach therefore expects the invited players to report on Monday and begin preparations for the upcoming matches despite Rrahmani’s withdrawal from the national team.