Armando Sadiku is the latest recruit by 2022-23 Indian Super League winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The 32-year-old Albanian forward has playing experience in Albania, Bolivia, Spain and Switzerland. Mohun Bagan have signed him on a two-year deal.
Sadiku is related to Taulant and Xhaka through his mother. His brother, Sherif Sadiku, is also a professional footballer. Sadiku’s role model and favourite footballer is the Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Playing Career – Armando Sadiku
Club Level
Armando is a striker who began his professional career playing for the Albanian club, KF Turbina Cerrik in 2008. He then moved up to the top league of Albania by joining the team Elbasani. He played only a half season with Elbasani, as he was banned from Albanian football due to non-sporting behavior. His ban forced him to move abroad going to Switzerland playing at first for Locarno. Sadiku found his form in Switzerland, becoming a reliable goal scorer in second tier Swiss Challenge Cup, winning top goal scorer award in his Swiss Challenge League 2011-12 season.
In November 2013, he joined top side club Zurich. Sadiku’s form improved in the first half of 2015–16 season, scoring eight goals in 18 appearances. Despite being the top scorer of the team, he was sent on loan to relegation strugglers Vaduz, which was dubbed as an “own goal” by Swiss media. He then went on to help Vaduz to retain their topflight status for another season, in addition relegating his parent club.
In the winter transfer window of 2018, he joined Spain side Levante on an undisclosed fee. On 2 September 2019, Sadiku extended his contract with Levante until 2021, and was immediately loaned to Segunda division side Malaga CF. Armando Sadiku then decided to venture to South America where he made history as the first Albanian to play in Bolivia, when he signed for Club Bolivar, a major giant in Bolivian football. He made history when he appeared in the Copa Libertadores 2021, the first Albanian to debut in the most prestigious club competition in South America. the following year, he moved to fellow second division side FC Cartegena on a one-year deal.
National Level
Armando Sadiku made his international debut for Albania in the U-19 side against Cyprus U-19. His senior team debut came in a friendly against Georgia in Tbilisi. He is currently the joint-leading goal scorer for Albania in international football with 12 goals.
Player Ability
Armando Sadiku is a striker who can cause trouble to the opposition constantly throughout the game. His precision can be of use to Mohun Bagan when he receives the ball from his teammates.
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