Muriqi celebrates goal with “Not in my name” shirt: “I dedicate the win to the liberators”

Kosovo started the new Nations League cycle with a win. The Kosovar national team beat Ireland 1–0 on Thursday night at the “Fadil Vokrri” stadium in Pristina, in the group’s opening match.

The game’s only goal was scored by captain Vedat Muriqi in the 83rd minute of the second half, securing Kosovo’s first three points in this edition of the competition.

After the goal, Muriqi drew attention with his celebration: the striker revealed a shirt reading “Not in my name,” a moment that has become the center of attention on social media as well.

Speaking to Klan Kosova, Muriqi said he dedicates this win especially to the liberators. “I especially dedicate the win to our liberators, the KLA leaders,” he declared after the match.

The Kosovo captain also spoke about the match, stressing the importance of winning the first game in front of the fans: “Considering that we have started a new Nations League cycle for our national team, it was important to win the first game here in front of our spectators.” Muriqi added that the team had known Ireland’s weaknesses: “We knew Ireland’s weak points, we tried to keep the game under control and I believe we had it the whole time.”

“The win was what mattered; I congratulate the whole team, the technical staff, the medical staff — hats off to all our fans who were here,” he concluded.

There were reactions after the match too. Altin Krasniqi, son of former parliament speaker Jakup Krasniqi, published on Facebook a photo of Muriqi’s celebration moment captioned “KLA.”

Meanwhile Endrit Thaçi, son of former president Hashim Thaçi, published Muriqi’s photo with the caption: “All of Kosovo is KLA! Congratulations on tonight’s win, Kosovo! Thank you, Captain. Thank you, Kosovo. Together. Until freedom.”

Kosovo’s next match in this group is away to Austria on September 27.

Sources: Klan Kosova; Klan Kosova; Klan Kosova