The President of the Republic Ilir Meta has expressed his sadness for the death at the age of 75 of the Albanian weightlifting icon Ferid Berberi, who was also his professor.

Meta writes that he not only excelled as a champion and record holder but also produced many champions and record holders. The Head of State says that he will be forever grateful to Professor Ferid, who also attracted him to the magic of weightlifting. He describes him as an extraordinary personality and legend. 

"With much sadness and pain, I learned today about the passing away of my beloved Professor, Ferid Berberi, one of the longest-serving champions in the history of our sport for more than four decades, the former great weightlifting coach of the National Team and Dinamo. 

In his youth, he not only shone as a champion and record holder but also produced many champions and record holders, icons of our weightlifting, who also shone at European and world levels such as Alexander Kondo, Agron Haxhihyseni, Muharrem Berisha and Ardian Kokonozi. 

Eternally grateful to Professor Ferid, who also attracted me to the magic of weightlifting, educated me with a lot of passion and love with the best sports values ??and above all that there is no achievement and success without extraordinary and consistent work. 

He introduced the most modern methods in training programs and constantly studied them while modernizing the sport of weightlifting. With his professionalism and parental dedication to prepare worthy champions and record holders, he will remain unforgettable as a precious and inspiring example of generations of athletes on the path to success and victories. 

I express my sincere condolences to the Berberi family and the sports community of weightlifters, who today lost a personality and an extraordinary legend of this discipline. Memories of Professor Feridi for a very beautiful period of my life, I will always keep alive as then. Goodbye Champion! Rest in the peace you deserve!", noted Meta.