Behrami makes Albania pledge

Lazio midfielder Valon Behrami admits his heart lies with Albania and not Switzerland, who he represents at Under-21 level.

The talented schemer, born in Kosovo, has been a regular for Switzerland Under-21s but it is Albania who he is keen to represent on the full stage.

Behrami holds a Swiss passport but concedes he is aiming to secure an Albanian equivalent and that, should Switzerland boss Koebi Kuhn come calling, he will decline his advances.

''A few days ago I was asked what I feel when I hear the Albanian anthem and if it is the same as when I'm on the pitch and I hear the Swiss one,'' Behrami told Corriere dello Sport.

''The Albanian one gives me goosebumps. This is the difference. For my lawyers, it is possible they are asking for a new passport.

''I have a document to sign and then it will be sent to Fifa. To obtain their okay it will probably take a month. The Swiss? They can achieve the World Cup.

''To obtain an Albanian passport I have to leave the group. But the national team is not a priority. My first thought is to do well for Lazio.

''Should Swiss coach Kuhn decide to call me for the France match - I won't go.''