OFFICIAL: FA Euro New York U-23 Defender Henry Hysenagolli has signed a professional contract with LaLiga side Club Deportivo Leganés.
The 2002-born youth product has realized a childhood dream, penning his first professional contract with the Madrid-based LaLiga Segunda División club this past weekend before the closing of the European transfer market. Henry flew to Madrid immediately following the Club's U23 match against Westchester Flames to finalize the move. Henry will remain in Madrid to begin a new adventure playing for the Los Pepineros.
FAEuro.com: Congratulations on achieving this lifelong dream of yours. First off, how are you feeling?
H. Hysenagolli: "I'm feeling amazing. It's really one of the best moments and days of my life. To play for such a great club is surreal. It's a dream."
FAEuro.com: It has been a very exciting couple of years for you. In 2019 - you participated in the Viareggio Cup, received your first call up to the Albanian U19 National Team, and made your first cap with the USL League Two side. How important were those experiences for you and did you think that you'd make an immediate jump to the professional level so quickly and at such a young age?
H. Hysenagolli: "2019 and all the experiences that came along with it helped make me a better player on the pitch and a better person off it. The national team call-up for Albania was something really special for me. To be able and represent my country was an unforgettable honor."
FAEuro.com: What are the next goals you would like to accomplish?
H. Hysenagolli: "I want to give my all for Leganés and do my part in helping the team during this season. On the international side, I want to receive a call-up for the Albanian National Team for next year's European competition."
FAEuro.com: You have been an integral part of the FA Euro youth sector and are the embodiment of the Club's philosophy of wanting to develop players and placing them on a professional level. What advice would you give players and your peers wanting to follow in your similar footsteps?
H. Hysenagolli: "The best advice I can give to players is to give it your all at each and every training, no matter what. Even if you're having a bad day or a poor session, just keep pushing and do your best. You learn the most from your worst moments. Never give up. If you love the game, then stick to it, and keep playing. FA Euro gives players like me a wonderful and great opportunity to play at the next level, they've helped me understand what it takes to be a professional player on a technical, tactical, physical but most importantly mental level."
FAEuro.com: You will be sorely missed at the club. We are all so happy for you; your teammates and coaches send their love and warmest wishes. Is there anything you want to say to them?
H. Hysenagolli: I want to thank the wonderful staff, coaches, and players. Everyone affiliated with FA Euro has helped made me a better player and the person I am today. I really appreciate everything the Club has done for me and I love you all. Forza Euro.
The Club would like to wish Henry immense success and the best of luck on this new, fantastic journey. Forza Henry and Forza Euro.