Palermo’s goalkeeper for next season, Samir Ujkani, has expressed his delight in being handed a second chance at the club.
Palermo’s goalkeeper for next season, Samir Ujkani, has expressed his delight in being handed a second chance at the club.
The Albanian international first signed for the Rosanero five years ago, but was shipped out to Novara in July 2009 for experience. After 18 months on loan with the Piedmont club, Palermo then handed over 50 per cent of his contract in negotiating deals for two of Novara’s players in exchange.
Helping the Azzurri achieve back-to-back promotions to the top flight and then cementing his place as their first-choice ‘keeper in the top-flight last term, Ujkani has now impressed enough for Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini to confirm last week that he would bring back the 'keeper for next season.
“I’m delighted, my chance has come and I cannot wait to return to Palermo, where my career at the top level began four seasons ago,” the 23-year-old Ujkani, who replaces the soon-to-depart Emiliano Viviano, told Giornale di Sicilia.
“I cannot thank the President enough because he has given me a lot and now he is giving me a chance to return to the Rosanero.
“The last time he called was about two months ago after one of the many injuries I suffered during last season. He told me to return quickly and to come back stronger than before.”