Shefki Kuqi
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Position(s) | Striker | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Crystal Palace | ||
| Number | 32 | ||
| ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of June 8, 2006 | |||
Shefki Kuqi (born November 10, 1976 in Vushtrri, Kosovo, SFR Yugoslavia) is a Finnish footballer of Kosovar Albanian origin. He currently plays for Crystal Palace in the English Coca-Cola Football League Championship. Kuqi is a big and strong striker who wears the number thirty-two shirt, and is known more for his determination than technical skill. He is the older brother of Njazi Kuqi.
Kuqi started his playing career with Mikkelin Kissat shortly after emigrating to Finland. He later played for Mikkelin Palloilijat, HJK Helsinki and FC Jokerit in Finland's Veikkausliiga. Kuqi was the league top scorer in the 2000 season before joining Stockport County in January 2001. He then had a spell at Sheffield Wednesday before joining Ipswich Town. Kuqi's 20 goals in the Championship for Ipswich in the 2004-05 season earned him a move to the Premiership with Blackburn. Kuqi scored seven Premiership goals for Blackburn in the 2005-06 season. He joined Crystal Palace for a reported £2.5 million transfer fee at the end of the August transfer window in 2006.
Kuqi has received some media attention – especially from Match of the Day – for his spectacular, and unusual, diving goal celebration. Kuqi jumps forward with both arms out, in what could be described as an attempt to glide like a bird, before crashing to the ground; the movement bears some resemblance to a bellyflop and has been referred to as a "Flying Finn". Although, it looks like a celebration which may cause injury Kuqi has said it does not hurt him.
Kuqi made his debut for the Finnish national team on August 18, 1999 against Belgium. He is a regular member of the Finland squad.
Honours
- Finnish Championship: 1997
- Finnish Cup: 1998
