The newest addition to the Macedonian national football team gave his first thoughts in the red top.

photo by FFM: Rakip at yesterday’s training

Midfielder Erdal Rakip is the newest on the list of our diaspora players that switched sides and joined the Lynx. Born in Sweden and former regular youth Swedish national team players, Rakip is expected to refresh the Macedonian midfield.

“Few years ago Blagoja Milevski for the first time offered me to play for Macedonia. At that period I needed time to think about that. For me it is a great honor that I had the offer to play for Macedonia and I brought a decision that now is the time to accept it. I talked with my family and i am happy that i will be wearing the Macedonian top. Macedonia is the home of my family, so the decision at this moment wasn’t hard at all” – said Rakip for FFM’s official web site.

Originated from the Prespa region from where his parents immigrated to Sweden, like many before him Rakip happened to be destined to get back to his roots.

“I watched the last matches of Macedonia. This team plays really good football, there are many young players who make a great squad. I am 25 years old, I think I am a matured footballer and i believe in the next years we can improve. I am trying to fit within the team, but no forcing, my role will come on its own. This team will grown year after year, nothing comes right away. The team is young and eager to prove its self”.

With Sweden U17 Rakip won 3rd place at the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup, but later did not make it into the senior national team. It is expected to make his Macedonian debut on Friday against Liechtenstein.