Interview: Rey Manaj finds his calling in playing soccer

Interview: Rey Manaj finds his calling in playing soccer

Soccer player Rey Manaj. Photo Courtesy of Rey Manaj

Rey Manaj chatted about his career as a professional soccer player, the digital age, and he shared some of his future goals.

Manaj is an Albanian professional athlete who plays as a striker for the Turkish club Sivasspor and the Albanian national team. 

Daily motivations as a soccer player

On his daily motivations as a soccer player, he said, “Normally I need motivation in my career. I like to set out my intentions for the seasons, which can be goals, but above all team goals growing and climbing higher is the most important.”

He is drawn to the sport of soccer because it has some of the most passionate fans. “The thing that makes soccer most beautiful for me is the passion of the fans, the love they give you after you score a goal, the respect and support that they give you,” he said.

“Even meeting fans outside that want to take photos, this is an emotion that can’t be put into words,” he added.

Advice for young and aspiring soccer players

For young and aspiring soccer players, he remarked, “The best advice I can give to young people is to listen to their parents, and secondly, don’t just think about the money, you have to be passionate and love what you do, and the rest follows, that’s the main thing.”

Stage of his life

On the title of the current chapter of his life, Manaj responded, “Only Upwards.” “Having just signed for a new team I’m ready and more dedicated than ever,” he said.

“I want life to be as good as it can be and ensure my children and family have a better life,” he added.

Proudest professional moment in soccer

Manaj shared his proudest professional moment thus far in soccer. “I think the best moment of my career so far was my first match playing for Barcelona and scoring a hat-trick (three goals), but I hope I can fulfill my dream of playing a World Cup or European Championship with Albania,” he said.

He is a firm believer that adversity makes us stronger. On his career-defining moments, he revealed, “I think so, especially in the most difficult moments I’ve learnt a lot. It made me understand that in this world, most of the time you have to get out of it alone, without anyone’s help. “

The digital age

On being a soccer player in the digital age, now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent, he said, “Like anything there are advantages and disadvantages. There are great advantages in terms of knowledge and in terms of sponsorship, and on the flip side social media can be very false. I try to use it as little as possible, and only for football.”

Plans for the future

Regarding his plans for the future, Manaj said, “My plans for the near future are to keep on improving my skills and growing as a player, so that I will play in the champions league.”

“Later on, I would like to dedicate myself to my family, finishing soccer I’ve already made investments for my future so that this is possible,” he added.

Favorite motto to live by

He went on to share his favorite motto to live by: “A motto that I really like is ‘your dreams can touch the sky, but your legs must always remain on the ground.” “You must always be humble,” he acknowledged.

Success

On his definition of the word success, Manaj said, “The word success has a different meaning for everyone, but for me success is being an example to other people. An example for my family, and people that look up to me. Not only being successful in soccer, but in general in life is important.”

Fans

For his fans, Manaj expressed his sincere appreciation. “I always give my fans grace,: he said. “The fans are people who may not have had the opportunity to be able to do what they wanted in life for different reasons, and in a small way they see themselves in you, so they support you with their own strength.”

This is a gesture I appreciate very much. I thank each and every person that has supported me on my journey so far,” he added.

Margaret Mead once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This quote applies to Rey Manaj.

To learn more about Albanian soccer player Rey Manaj, follow him on Instagram.

Soccer player Rey Manaj. Photo Courtesy of Rey Manaj

Rey Manaj chatted about his career as a professional soccer player, the digital age, and he shared some of his future goals.

Manaj is an Albanian professional athlete who plays as a striker for the Turkish club Sivasspor and the Albanian national team. 

Daily motivations as a soccer player

On his daily motivations as a soccer player, he said, “Normally I need motivation in my career. I like to set out my intentions for the seasons, which can be goals, but above all team goals growing and climbing higher is the most important.”

He is drawn to the sport of soccer because it has some of the most passionate fans. “The thing that makes soccer most beautiful for me is the passion of the fans, the love they give you after you score a goal, the respect and support that they give you,” he said.

“Even meeting fans outside that want to take photos, this is an emotion that can’t be put into words,” he added.

Advice for young and aspiring soccer players

For young and aspiring soccer players, he remarked, “The best advice I can give to young people is to listen to their parents, and secondly, don’t just think about the money, you have to be passionate and love what you do, and the rest follows, that’s the main thing.”

Stage of his life

On the title of the current chapter of his life, Manaj responded, “Only Upwards.” “Having just signed for a new team I’m ready and more dedicated than ever,” he said.

“I want life to be as good as it can be and ensure my children and family have a better life,” he added.

Proudest professional moment in soccer

Manaj shared his proudest professional moment thus far in soccer. “I think the best moment of my career so far was my first match playing for Barcelona and scoring a hat-trick (three goals), but I hope I can fulfill my dream of playing a World Cup or European Championship with Albania,” he said.

He is a firm believer that adversity makes us stronger. On his career-defining moments, he revealed, “I think so, especially in the most difficult moments I’ve learnt a lot. It made me understand that in this world, most of the time you have to get out of it alone, without anyone’s help. “

The digital age

On being a soccer player in the digital age, now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent, he said, “Like anything there are advantages and disadvantages. There are great advantages in terms of knowledge and in terms of sponsorship, and on the flip side social media can be very false. I try to use it as little as possible, and only for football.”

Plans for the future

Regarding his plans for the future, Manaj said, “My plans for the near future are to keep on improving my skills and growing as a player, so that I will play in the champions league.”

“Later on, I would like to dedicate myself to my family, finishing soccer I’ve already made investments for my future so that this is possible,” he added.

Favorite motto to live by

He went on to share his favorite motto to live by: “A motto that I really like is ‘your dreams can touch the sky, but your legs must always remain on the ground.” “You must always be humble,” he acknowledged.

Success

On his definition of the word success, Manaj said, “The word success has a different meaning for everyone, but for me success is being an example to other people. An example for my family, and people that look up to me. Not only being successful in soccer, but in general in life is important.”

Fans

For his fans, Manaj expressed his sincere appreciation. “I always give my fans grace,: he said. “The fans are people who may not have had the opportunity to be able to do what they wanted in life for different reasons, and in a small way they see themselves in you, so they support you with their own strength.”

This is a gesture I appreciate very much. I thank each and every person that has supported me on my journey so far,” he added.

Margaret Mead once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This quote applies to Rey Manaj.

To learn more about Albanian soccer player Rey Manaj, follow him on Instagram.