Ex-Man City defender reveals pride despite Euros exit
Albania were eliminated from Euro 2024 after a 1-0 loss to Spain on Monday.
Former Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has expressed his pride despite Albania’s Euro 2024 exit.
The 39-year-old is a member of the Albanian set-up, his first role in coaching since retiring as a player in 2020. Zabaleta joined Slyvinho’s backroom staff in January this year, linking up with his former City team-mate.
Albania were eliminated from the tournament on Monday night following a 1-0 loss to Spain that saw the Kuqezinjte finish bottom of Group B. However, it was seen as a largely positive tournament for a nation drawn alongside two of the last three winners in Spain and Italy, as well as 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Croatia.
A 2-2 draw against the latter saw Albania collect a point, while they lost by just one goal to Spain and Italy, both of whom progressed to the knockout stages of the tournament on Monday.
Posting on social media after Albania were dumped out of Euro 2024, Zabaleta wrote: “We enjoyed it, dreamed and fought until the very end. Really proud of the boys! BRAVO ÇUNA!”
The Argentinian, who earned 58 international caps, is a fans’ favourite at City having joined the club just prior to the Abu Dhabi investment takeover. He went on to spend nine years at the Etihad and won two Premier League titles, making 333 appearances for City.
Elsewhere at Euro 2024, Spain and Italy’s progression sees them join Germany and Switzerland in the last-16, while Croatia finished Group B in third place with two points and are expected to be eliminated.