BASEL, Switzerland — Taulant Xhaka, one of FC Basel’s iconic figures, go retire from professional football at the end of this season. After joining the club’s youth academy at the age of 12, Xhaka don wear the red-blue jersey over 400 times, making him a cherished part of the team’s history. His emotional play style and occasional controversies made him a player that fans loved and debated.
In an exclusive interview, Xhaka reflect on him journey with the club wey he start as a ball boy before progressing through the youth ranks. “I remember well when I first connected with FC Basel. We lived next to Jean-Michel Tchouga, a player at the club, and he was so nice to us that he gifted us football shoes. That was where my love for FC Basel began,” e talk.
Xhaka go down memory lane and recall im first training session at FC Basel. “Remo Gaugler, who was coaching at the time, brought my brother Granit and me from ‘Congeli’ to join the club. We dey very nervous because we dey train with talents like Xherdan Shaqiri. But the boys made sure we felt welcome,” he explain.
When asked about his greatest moment in youth football, e answer, “The Nike Premier Cup in 2006. We qualify for the European finals in Prague and became the first Swiss team to reach the world final in Manchester. That experience remain unforgettable.”
Xhaka also reflect on impactful coaches and teammates who shape im career. “I learnt plenty from coaches like Werner Mogg and Remo Gaugler. They emphasize discipline and taught us important values that stayed with me,” e say.
Recalling his debut match, Xhaka express how nervous he was. “My first game with the first team was on the artificial turf beside the ice hall. I still remember how I talk to the great players like Benjamin Huggel and Marco Streller at that time. I tell myself to just do my best, and I actually performed well.”
Playing alongside his brother Granit was another highlight, as he recalls celebrating Granit’s first goal in the league. “I was on the bench while my brother started. When he scored, he ran straight to me, and we celebrated together. That joy is etched in my heart,” he said.
Challenging moments also shaped his career, such as a loan move to GC. “It was tough playing against FC Basel. I wish I could tell my coach not to play me. But I learnt valuable lessons from that period,” e reflect.
As he prepare for his last match against Luzern, Xhaka express his mixed emotions. “I’m excited but also feel the weight of goodbye. The Joggeli has been like a second home to me,” he said. “After my last match, I will start working on my coaching diploma because returning to football as a coach might be in my future.”
Xhaka’s career spans over a decade, rich with memories like a notable match against Liverpool in 2014. “Scoring against them bring back sweet memories,” e recount. His journey didn’t come without struggles, particularly a serious injury that sidelined him. “That time was difficult, especially during the pandemic. But I told myself to keep pushing and come back stronger,” he express.
As he looks forward, he send a message to fans. “Thank you for your support throughout my career. The banner from my garden during my injury was truly touching,” he said, looking forward to enjoying future games from the stands as a fan.
Xhaka’s career may be coming to an end, but his legacy will forever be remembered at FC Basel.
