The New York Cosmos announced today the signing of Albanian national team captain Ansi Agolli.

 

The 36-year old left back brings a wealth of experience on the international and club level with him to New York.

 

“I feel very comfortable,” said Agolli, who trained with the team last week. “It’s like a family inside the locker room. I’m very excited and looking forward to the games and getting results with the team.

 

“In Albania, when you say American soccer, Cosmos is the first name that comes up. I know this club is about tradition and I will do my best to help the team and keep the tradition.

 

Agolli played in over 150 games at Qarabag in the Azerbajian Premier League as well as featuring for the club in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa Leage, playing all 90 minutes back in October in a Europa League group stage match against Arsenal. Since Agolli arrived at the club in 2010, initially on loan, he has been a mainstay in the team, helping the club win five successive league titles.

 

In 2005, Agolli made his debut for Albania during a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier and has gone on to make 73 appearances. That mark ranks him in a tie for sixth on the nation’s all-time appearance list.

 

During UEFA Euro 2016, Agolli played every minute during the group stage and took the captain’s armband for the rest of the tournament after Lorik Cana was sent off with a red card in Albania’s opening match. He was called up as recently as September 2018 when Albania was still competing in the UEFA Nations League.

 

Agolli joined his hometown club, Tirana, at the age of nine before becoming a first-team player in the 2000-01 season. With Tirana, Agolli was a part of three league championship sides.

 

He has also featured in the top divisions in Switzerland and Finland.

 

“We are incredibly excited to have Ansi with us this season,” Cosmos Senior Vice President Joe Barone said. “His experience in the game speaks for itself and we feel he will have a tremendous impact on the field this season, not just with his ability, but also setting an example for our younger players in the team.”

 

“In the few days he has been here it’s obvious his quality, and Cosmos fans will enjoy watching him this season,” Cosmos coach Carlos Mendes said. “Even with all he has accomplished, he is a humble player who comes to work hard every day in training."