Sindrit Guri

Sindrit Guri

Guri playing for Kukësi in the UEFA Europa League in 2016
Personal information
Date of birth	(1993-10-23) 23 October 1993 (age 30)
Place of birth	Shkodër, Albania
Height	1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s)	Striker
Team information
Current team	Varesina
Number	10
Youth career
2005–2011	Shkodra
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2011–2015	Vllaznia	20	(1)
2013–2014	→ Besa (loan)	27	(1)
2014–2015	→ Kastrioti (loan)	11	(0)
2015–2016	Korabi	27	(20)
2016–2018	Kukësi	59	(22)
2018–2021	Oostende	48	(5)
2021–2022	Shkëndija	25	(10)
2022–2023	İstanbulspor	12	(0)
2023–2024	Città di Varese	9	(1)
2024	Prishtina	0	(0)
2024–	Varesina	2	(0)
International career‡
2011	Albania U18	2	(0)
2011	Albania U19	3	(0)
2018	Albania	2	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 15 September 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 7 September 2018

Sindrit Guri (born 23 October 1993) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Italian Serie D club Varesina and the Albania national team. ^[1]

Club career

Early career

Guri first joined local side Vllaznia in 2005 at the age of 12, where he played for the academy side at different age groups before being promoted to the first team during the 2011–12 season, where he made his professional debut in an Kategoria Superiore match against Apolonia on 19 November 2011, coming on as a late substitute for Xhevahir Sukaj in the 4–1 away win. ^[2] He went on to make 9 league and 2 cup appearances under Rudi Vata during his debut season, as his side finished mid table in the league and reached the quarter-finals of the Albanian Cup.

Kukësi

On 7 June 2016, Guri joined Kukësi on a free transfer, returning in Kategoria Superiore after one season absence. ^[3] He was presented on the same day where he officially signed the contract. ^[4]

On 7 July, in the second leg of 2016–17 UEFA Europa League first qualifying round against Rudar Pljevlja, Guri made his Kukësi debut as well as his European debut by coming on as a second-half substitute and scored the winner in the 79th minute, helping the team to win 1–0 and to progress to the second round with the aggregate 2–1. ^[5]

Guri become Kukësi's first striker for the 2017–18 season following the departure of Pero Pejić and Izair Emini. ^[6] He made his UEFA Champions League debut on 12 July in the first leg of second qualifying round versus Sheriff Tiraspol as Kukësi lost 0–1. ^[7] He also played in the returning leg at Elbasan Arena as Kukësi won 2–1 but was eliminated on away goal rule. ^[8]

Guri begun the domestic season on 6 September by playing in the 2017 Albanian Supercup against Tirana as Kukësi lost 0–1 at Selman Stërmasi Stadium. ^[9] He scored his first goals of the season in form of a brace in the 4–0 home win over Egnatia in the first leg of 2017–18 Albanian Cup first round. ^[10] Guri's first league goal came on matchday 5 at newbie Lushnja, netting the opener with a shot from 25 yards as Kukësi won 2–0. ^[11] He added another two at cup as Kukësi won 4–1 at Erzeni in the first leg of second round. ^[12]

Guri enjoyed a fine form in 2018, notably netting in each leg of cup's quarter-final as Kukësi saw off Tirana to progress to semi-finals; he reached double-figures in the process. ^[13] This was followed by a brace in the league encounter versus Partizani, including one in the 96th minute as Kukësi won 3–1 to continue their battle for the second position. ^[14] His performances were rewarded as he was named Kategoria Superiore Player of the Month for February 2018. ^[15]

On 8 April, Guri confirmed that he would leave Kukësi at the end of 2017–18 season with the aim of playing with a top league club. ^[16] Six days later, he scored three goals, including a free-kick, in the 4–0 home win over third-placed team Partizani, recording his first top flight hat-trick. ^[17] He also reached the 20-goal landmark and also become the first player to score a hat-trick versus capital club since Skerdi Bejzade in 2004. ^[18] Later that month, he scored a second-half winner against Skënderbeu to give Kukësi the first win at the opposition turf since September 2013. ^[19] His performances earned him another Player of the Month award, becoming the first player in history to win in twice in a season. ^[20]

On the final day of the season, Guri scored a free-kick in the 2–2 home draw versus Flamurtari to finish the season with 21 goals from 34 appearances, one goal short from winning the Golden Boot. ^[21] He also scored 7 goals in Albanian Cup, finishing it as top scorer jointly with Laçi's Redon Xhixha.

Oostende

On 15 May 2018, it was announced that Guri would join K.V. Oostende of Belgian First Division A, on a three-year contract starting from 1 July. ^[22] Kukësi earned €710,000 from the transfer and also retained part ownership. ^[23] Guri however joined the team in mid-June and scored a brace in his first match for his new side. ^[24]

He made his official debut for the team on 28 July in the opening match of championship versus Royal Excel Mouscron, setting up the first goal in an eventual 2–1 home win. ^[25] Guri's first goal came in his second appearance for the club on 5 August, netting in the second half of the 5–2 loss to Anderlecht. ^[26]

Shkëndija

On 4 September 2021, he joined Shkëndija in the Macedonian First Football League on a one-year deal. ^[27]

İstanbulspor

On 26 August 2022, Guri signed a three-year contract with Turkish Süper Lig club İstanbulspor. ^[28] In July 2023, the Istanbul-based side announced that Guri's contract had been terminated by mutual agreement. ^[29]

Città di Varese

On 26 September 2023, Guri joined Italian Serie D club Città di Varese. ^[30]

Prishtina

On 4 March 2024, Guri signed a precontract with Kosovo Superleague club Prishtina, ^[31] and this transfer would become legally effective in July 2024. ^[32]

International career

Guri was called up to the Albania U19 side for the 2012 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualification. He made his debut on 5 October 2011 in the 1–0 defeat to Denmark, where he played for 57 minutes. ^[33] He went on to play the remaining two matches as Albania finished the Group 12 in the third position, failing to secure a spot for 2012 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.

On 21 May 2018, following a good run on club level, Guri received his first senior call-up by manager Christian Panucci for the friendlies against Kosovo and Ukraine. ^[34] He started the game against Kosovo, thus earning his first senior cap, making a good overall performance for around 70 minutes before making place for defender Mërgim Mavraj. ^[35]

Style of play

Guri is an elegant striker, who is known for having an eye for goal. ^[36] A technically good footballer, he is also strong in aerial duels, possessing a powerful header. ^[36]

Personal life

Guri currently resideis in Tirana; he is married and has a child, born in 2016. ^[37] He stated that his favourite footballer is Argentine international Lionel Messi. ^[37]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 30 May 2023 ^{[1] [38]}

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			Cup		Continental		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Vllaznia	2011–12	Kategoria Superiore	9	0	2	0	0	0	—		11	0
	2012–13	Kategoria Superiore	4	1	3	2	—		—		7	3
	2014–15	Kategoria Superiore	7	0	0	0	—		—		7	0
	Total		20	1	5	2	0	0	—		25	3
Besa (loan)	2013–14	Kategoria Superiore	27	1	0	0	—		—		27	1
Kastrioti	2014–15	Kategoria e Parë	11	0	2	0	—		—		13	0
Korabi	2015–16	Kategoria e Parë	27	20	0	0	—		—		27	20
Kukësi	2016–17	Kategoria Superiore	25	2	5	2	3 [lower-alpha 1]	1	0	0	33	5
	2017–18	Kategoria Superiore	34	20	7	7	2 [lower-alpha 2]	0	1 [lower-alpha 3]	0	44	27
	Total		59	22	12	9	5	1	1	0	77	32
Oostende	2018–19	Belgian First Division A	30	3	3	2	—		—		33	5
	2019–20	Belgian First Division A	15	2	1	0	—		—		16	2
	2020–21	Belgian First Division A	3	0	0	0	—		—		3	0
	Total		48	5	4	2	—		—		52	7
Shkëndija	2021–22	Macedonian First League	25	10	1	0	0	0	—		26	10
	2022–23	Macedonian First League	0	0	0	0	6 [lower-alpha 4]	2	—		6	2
	Total		25	10	1	0	6	2	—		32	12
İstanbulspor	2022–23	Süper Lig	12	0	2	0	—		—		14	0
Città di Varese	2023–24	Serie D	0	0	0	0	—		0	0	0	0
Career total			229	59	26	13	11	3	1	0	267	75

1. Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
2. Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League
3. Appearance in Albanian Supercup
4. Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa Conference League

International

As of match played 7 September 2018 ^[39]

Appearances and goals by national team and year

National team	Year	Apps	Goals
Albania	2018	2	0
Total		2	0

Honours

Club

Kukësi ^[1]

• Kategoria Superiore: 2016–17
• Albanian Supercup: 2016

Individual

• Kategoria Superiore Player of the Month: February 2018, ^[15] April 2018 ^[20]
• Albanian Cup top goalscorer: 2017–18 (shared with Redon Xhixha)

References

1. Sindrit Guri at Soccerway
2. "Apolona Fier vs. Vllaznia Shkodër 1 – 4". Soccerway. 19 November 2011. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
3. "Zyrtare, Sidrit Guri firmos me Kukësin" [Official, Sindrit Guri signs with Kukësi] (in Albanian). Minuta90.com. 7 June 2016. Retrieved 9 July 2016.
4. "Sidrit Guri përforcimi i parë për Kukësin" [Sindrit Guri the first reinforcement for Kukësi] (in Albanian). Newsport.al. 8 June 2016. Retrieved 9 July 2016.
5. Rinald Bregasi (8 June 2016). "E. League, Kukësi në raundin e 2-të eliminator, eliminon Rudarin" [E. League, Kukësi in the 2nd qualifying round, eliminates Rudar] (in Albanian). SuperSport Albania. Archived from the original on 7 August 2016. Retrieved 9 July 2016.
6. Rinald Bregasi (25 August 2017). "Kamza synon t'i "rrëmbejë" Kukësit Sindrit Gurin" [Kamza aims to “steal” Sindrit Guri from Kukësi] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. Retrieved 4 March 2018.
7. "Sheriff vs. Kukësi 1 – 0". Soccerway. 12 July 2017. Retrieved 4 March 2018.
8. "Kukësi i pafat, e eliminojnë shtyllat dhe penalltia e humbur e Pejiç (Video)" [Kukësi unlucky, posts and the missed penalty by Pejić eliminates them] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 19 July 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
9. "Finalja e Superkupës, Tirana godet në fund" [Supercup final, Tirana strikes at the end] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 6 September 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
10. "Kukësi vs. Egnatia Rrogozhinë 4 – 0". Soccerway. 27 September 2017. Retrieved 4 March 2018.
11. "Kamza pushton Gjirokastrën, Kukësi prish festën e Lushnjes, paqe në Shkodër" [Kamza invades Gjirokastra, Kukësi ruins Lushnja's celebration, peace at Shkodër] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 12 October 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
12. "Erzeni Shijak vs. Kukësi 1 – 4". Soccerway. 29 November 2017. Retrieved 4 March 2018.
13. "Kukësi eliminon Tiranën nga Kupa e Shqipërisë. Kualifikohet Laçi" [Kukësi eliminated Tirana from Albanian Cup, Laçi qualifies] (in Albanian). Gazeta Shqiptare. 14 February 2018. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
14. "Futboll, Kukësi mund 3-1 Partizanin në kryeqytet" [Football, Kukësi defeats Partizani 3-1 at capital] (in Albanian). Radio Televizioni Shqiptar. 20 February 2018. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
15. "Muaji i Gurit, çmim për sulmuesin shkodran" [Guri's month, an award for the striker from Shkodra] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 3 March 2018. Retrieved 3 March 2018.
16. "Guri e pranon: Në fund të sezonit do largohem nga Kukësi, ja ku më pëlqen të luaj" [Guri accepts: I'll leave Kukësi at the end of the season, here's where I want to play] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 8 April 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
17. "Kukësi shpartallon Partizanin dhe arratiset i dyti, Guri superstar" [Kukësi winnows Partizani and escapes second, Guri superstar] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 14 April 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
18. "Besa Kavajë vs. Partizani Tirana 3 – 4". Soccerway. 14 May 2004. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
19. ""Perlë" e Gurit, Kukësi i shtyn festën e titullit Skënderbeut" [Guri's “Pearl”, Kukësi delays Skënderbeu's title celebration] (in Albanian). Bota Sot. 30 April 2018. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
20. "Askush si Guri, dy herë "Lojtari i Muajit"" [Nobody like Guri, two times “Player of the Month”] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 9 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
21. "Lotë dhe falenderime, Guri ndahet nga Kukësi me ceremoni" [Tears and thanks, Guri separate with Kukësi with ceremony] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 23 May 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.
22. "ZYTRARE/ Guri në Belgjikë, zyrtarizohet kontrata për tri vite. Fjalët e para si sulmues i Ostendes" [OFFICIAL/ Guri at Belgium, three-year contract formalized. The first words as Oostende striker] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 15 May 2018. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
23. Skerdilaid Sulozeqi (18 May 2018). "Ekskluzive/ Haris Fakiç dhe 4 lojtarë të Skënderbeut, afër Kukësit" [Exclusive/ Haris Fakić and 4 Skënderbeu players, near Kukësi] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 28 May 2018.
24. "Sindrit Guri "bën ligjin" në Belgjikë, dy gola në ndeshjen e parë me Ostenden" [Sindrit Guri “makes the law” in Belgium, two goals in the first match with Oostende] (in Albanian). BalkanWeb.com. 28 June 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
25. Erjon Halili (29 July 2018). "Guri debuton me asist në kampionatin belg" [Guri debuts with assist in the Belgian championship] (in Albanian). SuperSport Albania. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
26. Johan Walckiers (5 August 2018). "Ongelooflijk: Santigol en Dimata verpulveren Oostende, dodelijk duo zit aan 9 (!) in twee matchen" [Unbelievable: Santigol and Dimata pulverize Oostende, deadly duo is 9 (!) in two matches] (in Dutch). Voetbalkrant.com. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
27. "SINDRIT GURI VISHET KUQEZI" (in Albanian). Shkëndija. 4 September 2021. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
28. Tarihi, Giriş (26 August 2022). "İstanbulspor Arnavut futbolcu Sidrit Guri'yi transfer etti" [İstanbulspor transferred Albanian football player Sidrit Guri]. Fotomaç (in Turkish). Retrieved 27 September 2023.
29. "İstanbulspor Sindrit Guri'nin sözleşmesini feshetti" [İstanbulspor terminated Sindrit Guri's contract]. Sözcü (in Turkish). 29 July 2023. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
30. "Città di Varese Che colpo! Guri è con noi: "Sposo il progetto"" [What a coup! Guri is with us: “I embrace the project”] (in Italian). ASD Città di Varese. 26 September 2023. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
31. "Sindrit Guri zyrtarizohet tek FC Prishtina" [Sindrit Guri officially joins FC Prishtina] (in Albanian). Klan Kosova. 4 March 2024.
32. "FC Prishtina njofton se Sindrit Guri nuk do të luajë në sezonin pranveror" [FC Prishtina announces that Sindrit Guri will not play in the spring season] (in Albanian). Klan Kosova. 14 March 2024.
33. "Denmark U19 vs. Albania U19 1 – 0". Soccerway. 5 October 2011. Retrieved 9 July 2016.
34. "TRAJNERI CHRISTIAN PANUCCI SHPALL LISTËN E LOJTARËVE PËR NDESHJET MIQËSORE ME KOSOVËN DHE UKRAINËN" [Manager Christian Panucci announces the list of players for the friendlies with Kosovo and Ukraine] (in Albanian). FSHF.org. 21 May 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.
35. Erjon Halili (29 May 2018). "Kosova leksion futbolli Shqipërisë, eksperimentet e Panuccit dështojnë sërish" [Kosovo football lecture to Albania, Panucci's experiments fail again] (in Albanian). SuperSport Albania. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
36. "Mister Panuçi, tani bëje zemrën "Gur"-i!" [Sir Panucci , now “rock” your heart!] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 14 April 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
37. "EKSKLUZIVE/ Bufon dhe Mesi, goleadori Guri: Ju tregoj sekretet" [EXCLUSIVE/ Buffon and Messi, goalscorer Guri: I show the secrets] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 16 April 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
38. "Football : Sindri Guri". Football Database. 9 July 2016. Retrieved 9 July 2016.
39. "Sindrit Guri - national football team player". EU-Football.info. Retrieved 29 May 2018.

External links

• Sindrit Guri at the Albanian Football Association (in Albanian and English)
• Sindrit Guri – UEFA competition record ( archive )