33 Facts About Andi Lila

Andi Lila was born on 12 February 1986 and is an Albanian former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder.

Andi Lila was a versatile player, having spent his early career as a full-back.

Andi Lila soon returned to Besa Kavaje after failing to settle at Iraklis, and he shortly became the club captain, guiding them to a third-place finish in the Albanian Superliga before moving to KF Tirana after just one year back in Kavaje.

Andi Lila was a fan favourite at KF Tirana as during his three years at the club, and he won the Albanian Superliga title in his first season there, as well as helping his side reach the Albanian Cup final which he missed and his side lost in.

Andi Lila quickly established himself in the first team at PAS Giannina and helped his side achieve a mid table finish in his first season back in Greece, and then reach the Superleague playoffs in his second season at the club before a bottom half finish in his third season.

Andi Lila has represented Albania at under-17, under-19, under-21 and senior levels.

Andi Lila made his senior international debut in 2007 against Romania and has since earned 59 caps but has yet to score a senior international goal.

Andi Lila became Albania's first choice right back in 2010 under Josip Kuze, and he began to play in the defensive midfield position.

Andi Lila was heavily involved in the infamous Serbia v Albania match on 14 October 2014, which resulted in the match being abandoned and Albania eventually being awarded a walkover victory over Serbia.

Andi Lila came on as a substitute at half time by replacing Ervin Bardhi.

Andi Lila completed his move to Tirana on 21 July 2008 after him and his agent Sokol Haxhia agreed to terms with the capital club and its president Refik Halili.

Andi Lila didn't have to wait long for another goal as it came less than a week later on 20 September 2008 against Apolonia Fier, his goal came in the 28th minute of the game.

Andi Lila concluded his second season in Greece by playing 35 matches between league and cup, as PAS Giannina finished 5th in championship and was eliminated by Olympiacos at the quarter-finals of cup.

On 12 July 2014, Andi Lila had even declared that his contract with PAS Giannina had come to an end, allowing him to sign a contract with Croatian side HNK Rijeka he eventually opted against this and signed a new three-year contract with PAS Giannina.

On 28 December 2014, Andi Lila was sent on loan at Serie A club Parma.

Andi Lila made his debut for Parma on 14 January 2015, starting in the Coppa Italia match against Cagliari.

Andi Lila ended his European campaign with 4 matches after the team was eliminated by AZ Alkmaar in the second qualifying round.

On 25 March 2017, Andi Lila was recorded making fun with a certain Greek priest while on international duties.

Andi Lila then went to personally meet the priest and to apologize to him in person, giving him a gift.

Andi Lila concluded his 6th season with the club by making 22 appearances in all competitions.

On 21 July 2017, Andi Lila signed a new contract until June 2020.

On 1 July 2019 Andi Lila mutual solved his contract with the club.

Andi Lila was first called up to the Albania national team by Otto Baric in late 2007; it was his performances as a right back for Besa Kavaje in the Albanian Superliga that caught the eye of the Croatian.

Andi Lila made his debut for the senior team in a Euro 2008 qualifiers against Romania in Bucharest on 21 November 2007.

Andi Lila started the game at right back and played the full 90 minutes.

The next manager of the national team liked Andi Lila's play and this earned him a call up by Arie Haan to his first game in charge which was a friendly against Poland on 27 May 2008.

Andi Lila started the game but was substituted at half time for Endrit Vrapi.

Andi Lila managed to play another two games under Arie Haan, in a friendly against Liechtenstein and a 2010 World Cup qualifier against Malta.

Andi Lila was regular in Albania's successful UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.

Later in October 2014 Andi Lila was a protagonist in the match against Serbia, which was his 50th international appearance; he played as a starter until 42nd minute where the match was postponed due to Serbian fans launching flares onto the pitch.

Andi Lila is married with Ornela Lila, and they become parents for the first time on 20 March 2015 when Lila's wife gave birth to the couple's first son, named Ayan.

On 16 July 2015 Andi Lila was decorated with the "Honorary Citizen of Kavaja" award for protecting the national symbols and for his contribution to Albanian football.

Andi Lila is a fan of American heavy metal band Metallica and English rock band The Beatles.