Albania’s national team coach, Sylvinho, continues to draw attention not only for results on the field but also for his praise of Albania and its people.

In an interview with the Brazilian outlet Bola Quadrada, the coach shared his personal experience, describing Albanian hospitality as extraordinary.

A few days before the World Cup 2026 play-off match against Poland, Sylvinho said he feels privileged to lead Albania at a historic moment, with the team aiming for its first World Cup qualification.

“I have played in different countries and for major clubs, but I have never experienced such behavior. The Albanian people are incredibly generous, especially toward foreigners,” he said.

The Brazilian coach gave concrete examples from his daily life in Albania, noting that small gestures often surprised him. He recalled occasions in restaurants when strangers discreetly paid his bill without asking for anything in return.

“Several times, someone at another table has paid for our food and simply greeted us from a distance. I have never seen anything like it in my life,” Sylvinho said.

He added that this special hospitality is not just a cultural trait but also an extra motivation to give his best as national team coach.

“This behavior increases my responsibility to perform at my best. When you represent a nation, you feel an even greater duty to honor that respect,” he said.

In conclusion, Sylvinho described the generosity of Albanians as one of the most remarkable traits that make his experience in the country unique. He praised this value as a defining feature of the national character.