Taulant Xhaka has ended his career with the Albanian National Team. In a post on the social networks, the midfielder thanked all the fans for this experience. 

In his post, Xhaka says that this was the most difficult decision for him, but it is time to give opportunities to the new generation. He expressed great pride that he wore the red and black jersey and that it was a dream come true. 

Xhaka thanks all the coaches he has worked with, the Albanian Football Association and all football fans. The midfielder considers as an unforgettable moment the qualification of Albania in the European. 

The full letter of Taulant Xhaka: 

Dear fans, football players, football lovers, dear Albanian National Team, the pride of my blood. The day I wore red and black has been and remains the most beautiful day and memory of my life. I was and am very proud that it became possible for me to dress in red and black. 

It was a dream for the whole Xhaka family which has already become a reality. We will always be proud and Grateful. Words cannot describe the beautiful emotions and moments I spent in the red and black national team. 

Unforgettable will remain the qualification we achieved together in the European, or the match we spent in Serbia. Above all the enthusiasm and pride of representing the red and black national team, is a battle to show love for your country of origin. Like me and my brother Graniti, we grew up with patriotism for Albania and Kosovo. 

My whole family has raised both me and Granit with the red and black flag in their hearts, with a special respect and pride for our country. The beginnings are always beautiful and no one thinks how fast the years go by and the relay must be handed over to the younger generation. 

I recently missed the red and black national team due to numerous injuries, which still continue to haunt me. For this reason and many other private reasons, I have decided to say goodbye to the red and black national team as its player, but with all my heart I will be by your side at all times until the last breath. I will always be RED. 

Believe me, this decision is one of the most difficult and overwhelming decisions ever made in my life. I did not find it easy to make such a decision, because I felt very, very good and proud of the national team. I have been supported a lot by the AFA staff, by my fellow players, as well as by the wonderful red and black fans. 

But, in the conditions and circumstances that I am in, I thought that it is better to say goodbye to the national football team at this moment, to give the new generation the opportunity to be affirmed, to be the future of our national team. I want to cordially thank the coaches I have worked with, the players, the president of AFA, Mr. Armando Duka, as well as all football fans, for all the support they have given me. 

A special thanks goes to the red and black fans, they are the 12th player and have supported us at every time and moment. The fans have given us support even in our most difficult days. They have been a great inspiration to me. Red and black national team fans are the best in the world. Now I will be an ardent fan of the red and black national team as well, one of YOU. Pride and respect for the fans. 

It is a great honour and pride for the whole Xhaka family, that I was part of the red and blacks for several years. It was a dream of many generations that has already become a reality. Thank you for the trust and everything you gave me! For the national team I gave my best and I am very proud to be part of it. Thanks also to my family for supporting me in every step of my career.