Tomorrow our captain will surpass Artim Shakjiri on the all-time list of players with the most national team appearances. He is really proud of that achievement.

photo by FFM: Ristovski at today’s press-conference

Stefan Ristovski took the captain’s armband after Goran Pandev retired this summer. He has been a national team player for 10 years now as he debuted in August 2011 on a road friendly against Azerbaijan when he played the full 90 minutes. Now, 10 years later, Ristovski is about to play his 73rd national team match, achievement not many can brag about.

Currently Ristovski shares the all-time 4th position with Aleksandar Trajkovski and Artim Shakjiri as the three of them have 72 caps each. As Macedonia takes on Germany on Monday night, Ristovski will surpass and with 73 matches will come behind Veliche Shumolikoski (84), Goce Sedloski (100) and Goran Pandev (122).

We used the official press-conference to ask Stefan about this achievement and we actually surprised him as he had no idea about this interesting fact.

“I am surprised, I had no idea about this stats. Thank you. As a Macedonian national team player it is an honor and I am also proud that I am still here. I wish to continue to represent the Macedonian top in the right manner, to be an example for the new generations. I would love if Macedonia qualifies at another big tournament because were are really trying and I hope that will continue to bring joy to the Macedonian people” – said our captain.

Stefan may not know, but tomorrow’s match will be his 7th as captain. He also has 13 yellow cards, 1 own goal, 2 goals scored and no red card.