Shefki Kuqi
Encyclopedia
Shefki Kuqi is a Kosovar
-born Finnish
professional footballer who is currently playing for League One
side Oldham Athletic. Kuqi plays predominately as a striker. He has spent most of his career in the English league, and has played for clubs including Stockport County
, Sheffield Wednesday
, Ipswich Town
, Blackburn Rovers
, Crystal Palace
, Fulham
and Swansea City
. He has made almost 500 career league appearances, scoring nearly 150 goals.
Kuqi represented the Finland national football team
at international level, with seven goals from sixty two appearances. His trademark goal celebration of bellyflopping onto the ground has led to his nickname of the "Flying Finn".
. He started his youth career at Trepça
, he played several games for the youth team, but he and his family later moved to Finland
as Kosovar Albanian immigrants.
, HJK and FC Jokerit
in Finland's Veikkausliiga
. Kuqi played in UEFA Champions League in autumn 1998 with HJK. Kuqi was the league top scorer in the 2000 season, representing FC Jokerit side.
in January 2001. Regarded by many as the saviour of County's 2000–01 season as he impressed with his speed and strength, he went on to score six goals in eighteen games to help County retain their division one status. Kuqi is still the club's second most internationally capped player.
where he scored 19 times between January 2002 and September 2003, unfortunately with Wednesday being relegated to Division Two (or League One as it is now known) during his time at Hillsborough. Many Wednesday fans were bemused though at then manager Chris Turner's decision to let Kuqi leave for Ipswich for free. Whilst in Sheffield, Kuqi also scored a goal against Sheffield United
in The Steel City Derby
. He scored the second goal in the 81st minute at Hillsborough
to ensure a win after Lloyd Owusu
had opened the scoring with his very first touch of the ball on his debut.
in September 2003. He scored 20 goals in the Championship
for Ipswich in the 2004–05
season, which made him the club's leading top scorer along with Darren Bent
.
. Kuqi scored seven Premier League goals for Blackburn in the 2005–06
season.
for a reported £2.5 million transfer fee at the end of the August transfer window in 2006.
Kuqi did not have a prolific first season at Selhurst Park
, scoring only seven goals in 38 games, and at the end of August 2007, he signed for Fulham
on a four-month loan deal, where he made ten league appearances, scoring no goals.
Kuqi was placed on the transfer list and fined two weeks wages by Neil Warnock
after signalling an offensive gesture to Palace fans when they cheered as he was substituted following a particularly poor performance in the 2–0 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers
on 23 February 2008. Other reasons behind him being transfer listed were due to his weight gain and lack of fitness.
In March 2008, Kuqi returned to Ipswich on loan until the end of the season. He began the 2008–09 campaign with his first team prospects seemingly irretrievable but Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock named (and used) him as a substitute for the away draw at Ipswich Town and home victory over Charlton
in September and on 4 October he scored the second goal of Palace's 2–0 victory at Nottingham Forest. Kuqi's return to the first team completed a remarkable sequence of events, and he ended his season as the top scorer of his team. Kuqi was offered a new contract on 27 January 2009 which he rejected.
on 25 January 2010. He scored his first goal for Swansea in a 1–0 win at former club Crystal Palace on 9 February 2010.
Despite scoring seven goals in 16 starts, after less than nine months at Swansea, Kuqi joined fellow Championship side Derby County
on a three month emergency loan deal on 13 September 2010. His first Derby goal, in his third appearance, also, came against Crystal Palace
in a 5–0 Derby victory at Pride Park
. After latching onto a sloppy stray backpass from former-Derby defender Claude Davis
to complete the rout with a goal Kuqi joked that the strike was "the worst of the five!" On 26 January 2011 Kuqi's contract with Swansea
was terminated by mutual consent after he failed to break through into the first team.
for the remainder of the season. He was given the number 42 shirt and made his debut against former club Blackburn Rovers
on 12 February 2011 coming on in the 90th minute in a goalless draw. He was released on 25 May 2011 after making six appearances, all as a substitute, without scoring.
in a 3–1 victory; he scored the equalising goal and assisted the other two goals in a 3–1 victory. Kuqi was on target again against the MK Dons in October 2011 taking advantage of a mistake by the Dons Goalkeeper to help Athletic to a 2-1 victory. Kuqi added another two goals to his tally after scoring twice against Crewe
in the quarter finals of the Johnstones Paint Trophy to help Oldham progress to the semi final of the tournament with a 3-1 victory, with Luca Scapuzzi also getting on the scoresheet.
– for his spectacular, and unusual, diving goal celebration known as a Swan Dive. 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".
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on 18 August 1999 against Belgium, soon after receiving Finnish citizenship. He was a regular member of the Finland squad from 1999 to 2010. He announced his retirement from international football on 24 November 2010
and Albert Kuqi, and the cousin of Daut Kuqi.
Republic of Kosovo
Kosovo , officially the Republic of Kosovo is a partially recognised state and a disputed territory in the Balkans...
-born Finnish
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
professional footballer who is currently playing for League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
side Oldham Athletic. Kuqi plays predominately as a striker. He has spent most of his career in the English league, and has played for clubs including Stockport County
Stockport County F.C.
Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport...
, Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday F.C.
Sheffield Wednesday Football Club are a football club based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, who are currently competing in the Football League One in the 2011-12 season, in England. Sheffield Wednesday are one of the oldest professional clubs in the world and the fourth oldest in the...
, Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
, Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
, Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
, Fulham
Fulham F.C.
Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
and Swansea City
Swansea City A.F.C.
Swansea City Association Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Swansea, Wales. One of the most successful clubs in Welsh football, it has won 10 Welsh Cups and led the English Football League First Division in December 1981, before finishing the season in 6th position...
. He has made almost 500 career league appearances, scoring nearly 150 goals.
Kuqi represented the Finland national football team
Finland national football team
The Finland national football team represents Finland in international football competitions and is controlled by the Football Association of Finland....
at international level, with seven goals from sixty two appearances. His trademark goal celebration of bellyflopping onto the ground has led to his nickname of the "Flying Finn".
Kosovo
Kuqi was born in VučitrnVucitrn
Vučitrn or Vushtrri is a city and municipality in north-eastern Kosovo. It is the seat of the Kosovska Mitrovica District. The name of the city means "wolf's thorn", the name of the spiny restharrow plant in Serbian....
. He started his youth career at Trepça
KF Trepca
Trepça Mitrovicë Football Club is a football club based in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo. The club was founded in 1932 and currently plays in the top division of football in Kosovo, the Kosovar Superliga...
, he played several games for the youth team, but he and his family later moved to Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
as Kosovar Albanian immigrants.
Finland
Kuqi started his playing career with Kangasniemen Palloseura. He later played for Mikkelin Kissat, Mikkelin PalloilijatMikkelin Palloilijat
Mikkelin Palloilijat is a Finnish football club, based in Mikkeli. Club was formed in 1929 and has also had teams in volleyball, ice hockey and bandy. It played in the Finnish First Division from 2004 to 2006 but was relegated to Kakkonen at the end of the season...
, HJK and FC Jokerit
FC Jokerit
FC Jokerit was a football club based in Helsinki, Finland. It was founded in 1999. The club was known for its wild supporters, 116% Boys, and for its owner, Hjallis Harkimo who is also the owner of Jokerit, an ice hockey club based in Helsinki....
in Finland's Veikkausliiga
Veikkausliiga
Veikkausliiga is the premier division of Finnish football, comprising the top 12 clubs of the country. Veikkausliiga is currently ranked as the 28th best league in Europe. Its main sponsor is the Finnish national betting agency Veikkaus, hence the league's name...
. Kuqi played in UEFA Champions League in autumn 1998 with HJK. Kuqi was the league top scorer in the 2000 season, representing FC Jokerit side.
Stockport County
Kuqi joined Stockport CountyStockport County F.C.
Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport...
in January 2001. Regarded by many as the saviour of County's 2000–01 season as he impressed with his speed and strength, he went on to score six goals in eighteen games to help County retain their division one status. Kuqi is still the club's second most internationally capped player.
Sheffield Wednesday
He then had a spell at Sheffield WednesdaySheffield Wednesday F.C.
Sheffield Wednesday Football Club are a football club based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, who are currently competing in the Football League One in the 2011-12 season, in England. Sheffield Wednesday are one of the oldest professional clubs in the world and the fourth oldest in the...
where he scored 19 times between January 2002 and September 2003, unfortunately with Wednesday being relegated to Division Two (or League One as it is now known) during his time at Hillsborough. Many Wednesday fans were bemused though at then manager Chris Turner's decision to let Kuqi leave for Ipswich for free. Whilst in Sheffield, Kuqi also scored a goal against Sheffield United
Sheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
in The Steel City Derby
Steel City derby
The Steel City Derby is a local derby that takes place between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday, the two professional football league teams based in the city of Sheffield, England...
. He scored the second goal in the 81st minute at Hillsborough
Hillsborough Stadium
Hillsborough Stadium is the home of Sheffield Wednesday football club, Sheffield, England. Football has been played at the ground since it was opened on 2 September 1899, when Wednesday moved from their original ground at Olive Grove. Today it is a 39,812 capacity all-seater stadium, making it the...
to ensure a win after Lloyd Owusu
Lloyd Owusu
Lloyd Magnus Owusu is a professional footballer who plays for Hayes & Yeading United on loan from Barnet.After a move from non-League Slough Town, his career took off at Brentford, where he scored 64 goals in 163 league games between 1998 and 2002. He then moved to Sheffield Wednesday, and two...
had opened the scoring with his very first touch of the ball on his debut.
Ipswich Town
Kuqi joined Ipswich TownIpswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
in September 2003. He scored 20 goals in the Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
for Ipswich in the 2004–05
2004-05 in English football
The 2004–05 season was the 125th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*2004–05 was the first season to feature the rebranded Football League. The First Division, Second Division and Third Division were renamed the Football League Championship, Football League One and Football League...
season, which made him the club's leading top scorer along with Darren Bent
Darren Bent
Darren Ashley Bent is an English footballer who plays for Aston Villa as a striker.Bent started his career with Ipswich Town. After progressing through their youth system he made his first team debut in 2001. He made 122 appearances and scored 48 goals in the league for Ipswich, before joining...
.
Blackburn Rovers
His form with Ipswich earned him a move to the Premier League with BlackburnBlackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
. Kuqi scored seven Premier League goals for Blackburn in the 2005–06
FA Premier League 2005-06
The 2005–06 season of the FA Premier League began on 13 August 2005, and concluded on 7 May 2006. The season saw Chelsea F.C retain their title after defeating Manchester United 3–0 at Stamford Bridge towards the end of April...
season.
Crystal Palace
He joined Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
for a reported £2.5 million transfer fee at the end of the August transfer window in 2006.
Kuqi did not have a prolific first season at Selhurst Park
Selhurst Park
Selhurst Park is an English football stadium located in the London suburb of South Norwood in the Borough of Croydon. It is the current home ground of Crystal Palace Football Club. Its present capacity is 26,309.-History:...
, scoring only seven goals in 38 games, and at the end of August 2007, he signed for Fulham
Fulham F.C.
Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
on a four-month loan deal, where he made ten league appearances, scoring no goals.
Kuqi was placed on the transfer list and fined two weeks wages by Neil Warnock
Neil Warnock
Neil Warnock is an English former footballer who is currently manager of English Premier League club Queens Park Rangers....
after signalling an offensive gesture to Palace fans when they cheered as he was substituted following a particularly poor performance in the 2–0 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
on 23 February 2008. Other reasons behind him being transfer listed were due to his weight gain and lack of fitness.
In March 2008, Kuqi returned to Ipswich on loan until the end of the season. He began the 2008–09 campaign with his first team prospects seemingly irretrievable but Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock named (and used) him as a substitute for the away draw at Ipswich Town and home victory over Charlton
Charlton Athletic F.C.
Charlton Athletic Football Club is an English professional football club based in Charlton, in the London Borough of Greenwich. They compete in Football League One, the third tier of English football. The club was founded on 9 June 1905, when a number of youth clubs in the southeast London area,...
in September and on 4 October he scored the second goal of Palace's 2–0 victory at Nottingham Forest. Kuqi's return to the first team completed a remarkable sequence of events, and he ended his season as the top scorer of his team. Kuqi was offered a new contract on 27 January 2009 which he rejected.
Koblenz
After Kuqi's contract ran out at Crystal Palace on 1 July 2009, he signed a two years deal with TuS KoblenzTuS Koblenz
TuS Koblenz is a German association football club, located in Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate. Fussball Club Deutschland Neuendorf, which was formed in 1911, is viewed as the foundation of the modern club.-Play under the Third Reich:...
Swansea City
Kuqi signed for Swansea City on a free transfer from TuS KoblenzTuS Koblenz
TuS Koblenz is a German association football club, located in Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate. Fussball Club Deutschland Neuendorf, which was formed in 1911, is viewed as the foundation of the modern club.-Play under the Third Reich:...
on 25 January 2010. He scored his first goal for Swansea in a 1–0 win at former club Crystal Palace on 9 February 2010.
Despite scoring seven goals in 16 starts, after less than nine months at Swansea, Kuqi joined fellow Championship side Derby County
Derby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
on a three month emergency loan deal on 13 September 2010. His first Derby goal, in his third appearance, also, came against Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
in a 5–0 Derby victory at Pride Park
Pride Park Stadium
Pride Park Stadium is an all-seater football stadium located on the Pride Park business park on the outskirts of Derby, England. It is the current home of Football League Championship club Derby County, who moved to the stadium from the Baseball Ground upon its opening in 1997...
. After latching onto a sloppy stray backpass from former-Derby defender Claude Davis
Claude Davis
Claude Davis is a Jamaican footballer who plays as a centre back. He currently plays for Crawley Town F.C. in English League Two.-Portmore United:...
to complete the rout with a goal Kuqi joked that the strike was "the worst of the five!" On 26 January 2011 Kuqi's contract with Swansea
Swansea City A.F.C.
Swansea City Association Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Swansea, Wales. One of the most successful clubs in Welsh football, it has won 10 Welsh Cups and led the English Football League First Division in December 1981, before finishing the season in 6th position...
was terminated by mutual consent after he failed to break through into the first team.
Newcastle United
On 10 February 2011, Kuqi joined Premier League side Newcastle UnitedNewcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
for the remainder of the season. He was given the number 42 shirt and made his debut against former club Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
on 12 February 2011 coming on in the 90th minute in a goalless draw. He was released on 25 May 2011 after making six appearances, all as a substitute, without scoring.
Oldham Athletic
In August 2011, following his release by Newcastle, Kuqi signed a one-year contract with Oldham Athletic. The signing has been considered as something of a coup for the Latics, as Kuqi was playing in the Premier League last season. He scored early in his first game for his new club in a home game against Huddersfield Town which finished 1–1 and celebrated with his trademark bellyflop celebration in front of the away fans. Kuqi made it two goals in two games for Oldham with a headed goal against Stevenage. Kuqi scored his third for Oldham against Leyton OrientLeyton Orient F.C.
Leyton Orient F.C. are an English professional football club in East London. They currently play in Football League One and are known to their fans as the O's.Leyton Orient have spent one season in the top flight of English football, in 1962–63...
in a 3–1 victory; he scored the equalising goal and assisted the other two goals in a 3–1 victory. Kuqi was on target again against the MK Dons in October 2011 taking advantage of a mistake by the Dons Goalkeeper to help Athletic to a 2-1 victory. Kuqi added another two goals to his tally after scoring twice against Crewe
Crewe Alexandra F.C.
Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club...
in the quarter finals of the Johnstones Paint Trophy to help Oldham progress to the semi final of the tournament with a 3-1 victory, with Luca Scapuzzi also getting on the scoresheet.
Style of play
Kuqi has received some media attention – especially from Match of the DayMatch of the Day
Match of the Day is the BBC's main football television programme. Typically, it is shown on BBC One on Saturday evenings during the English football season, showing highlights of the day's matches in English football's top division, the Premier League...
– for his spectacular, and unusual, diving goal celebration known as a Swan Dive. 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".
Club career statistics
- (correct as of 19 November 2011)
Club Season League Cup Europe UEFAThe Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....Play-Offs Total Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists MP Mikkelin PalloilijatMikkelin Palloilijat is a Finnish football club, based in Mikkeli. Club was formed in 1929 and has also had teams in volleyball, ice hockey and bandy. It played in the Finnish First Division from 2004 to 2006 but was relegated to Kakkonen at the end of the season...1995 24 3 ? 0 0 ? 24 3 ? 1996 26 7 ? 0 0 ? 26 7 ? Total 1995–96 50 10 ? 0 0 0 50 10 ? HJK HJK HelsinkiHelsingin Jalkapalloklubi , internationally known as HJK Helsinki, is a Finnish football club, based in the capital Helsinki...1997 25 6 ? 25 6 ? 1998 22 1 ? 22 1 ? 1999 25 11 ? 25 11 ? Total 1996–99 72 18 ? 72 18 ? FC Jokerit FC JokeritFC Jokerit was a football club based in Helsinki, Finland. It was founded in 1999. The club was known for its wild supporters, 116% Boys, and for its owner, Hjallis Harkimo who is also the owner of Jokerit, an ice hockey club based in Helsinki....2000 33 19 ? 33 19 ? Total 2000 33 19 ? 33 19 ? Stockport County Stockport County F.C.Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport...2000–01 2000-01 in English footballThe 2000–01 season was the 121st season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Manchester United secured their 3rd Premiership title in succession and their 7th title in just nine seasons...17 6 ? 1 0 ? 18 6 ? 2001–02 2001-02 in English footballThe 2001-02 season was the 122nd season of competitive football in England.-Arsenal cruise to title glory:In what had earlier been one of the most closely fought Premiership title races for years, Arsenal won the championship by seven points. Their crown was won in the penultimate game of the...18 5 0 2 1 0 20 6 0 Total 2000–2002 35 11 0 3 1 0 38 12 0 Sheffield Wed Sheffield Wednesday F.C.Sheffield Wednesday Football Club are a football club based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, who are currently competing in the Football League One in the 2011-12 season, in England. Sheffield Wednesday are one of the oldest professional clubs in the world and the fourth oldest in the...2001–02 2001-02 in English footballThe 2001-02 season was the 122nd season of competitive football in England.-Arsenal cruise to title glory:In what had earlier been one of the most closely fought Premiership title races for years, Arsenal won the championship by seven points. Their crown was won in the penultimate game of the...17 6 0 17 6 0 2002–03 2002-03 in English footballThe 2002-03 season was the 123rd season of competitive football in England.-Most Memorable rise:*Wigan Athletic marked their 25th season of Football League membership by winning the Division Two championship and reaching the league's second tier for the very first time.-Most Memorable...40 8 0 3 0 0 43 8 0 2003–04 2003-04 in English footballThe 2003-04 season was the 124th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Arsenal completed the entire campaign without losing a single league game....7 5 0 1 0 0 8 5 0 Total 2001–2004 64 19 0 4 0 0 67 19 0 Ipswich Town Ipswich Town F.C.Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....2003–04 2003-04 in English footballThe 2003-04 season was the 124th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Arsenal completed the entire campaign without losing a single league game....38 11 4 1 1 0 39 12 4 2004–05 2004-05 in English footballThe 2004–05 season was the 125th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*2004–05 was the first season to feature the rebranded Football League. The First Division, Second Division and Third Division were renamed the Football League Championship, Football League One and Football League...43 19 5 3 0 0 2 1 0 48 20 5 Total 2003–2005 81 30 9 4 1 0 2 1 0 87 32 9 Blackburn Rovers Blackburn Rovers F.C.Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....2005–06 2005-06 in English footballThe 2005–06 season was the 126th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*The rebuilt Wembley Stadium was due to open in time for the FA Cup final in May. However, in August 2005, The Football Association reserved the Millennium Stadium as a backup, as there was some doubt whether...33 7 4 8 1 3 41 8 7 2006–07 2006-07 in English footballThe 2006–07 season was the 127th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* The number of divisions at Level 8 of the English football league system increased from four to five...1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Total 2006–2007 34 7 4 8 1 3 42 8 7 Crystal Palace Crystal Palace F.C.Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...2006–07 2006-07 in English footballThe 2006–07 season was the 127th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* The number of divisions at Level 8 of the English football league system increased from four to five...35 7 5 2 1 0 37 8 5 2007–08 2007-08 in English footballThe 2007–08 season was the 128th season of competitive football in England.-European competitions:In October 2007 Arsenal equalled the UEFA Champions League record victory with a 7–0 win over Slavia Prague at the Emirates Stadium. The record was broken the following month when Liverpool...8 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 2008–09 35 10 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 37 10 2 Total 2006–2009 78 17 6 5 1 1 0 0 0 83 18 7 Fulham Fulham F.C.Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
(loan)2007–08 2007-08 in English footballThe 2007–08 season was the 128th season of competitive football in England.-European competitions:In October 2007 Arsenal equalled the UEFA Champions League record victory with a 7–0 win over Slavia Prague at the Emirates Stadium. The record was broken the following month when Liverpool...10 0 1 0 0 0 10 0 1 Total 2007–2008 10 0 1 0 0 0 10 0 1 Ipswich Ipswich Town F.C.Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
(loan)2007–08 2007-08 in English footballThe 2007–08 season was the 128th season of competitive football in England.-European competitions:In October 2007 Arsenal equalled the UEFA Champions League record victory with a 7–0 win over Slavia Prague at the Emirates Stadium. The record was broken the following month when Liverpool...4 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 Total 2008 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 TuS Koblenz TuS KoblenzTuS Koblenz is a German association football club, located in Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate. Fussball Club Deutschland Neuendorf, which was formed in 1911, is viewed as the foundation of the modern club.-Play under the Third Reich:...2009–10 17 7 1 3 2 1 20 9 2 Total 2009–2010 17 7 1 3 2 1 20 9 2 Swansea 2009–10 8 4 0 0 0 0 8 4 0 2010–11 12 1 0 2 2 0 14 3 0 Total 2010–2011 20 5 0 2 2 0 22 7 0 Derby County Derby County F.C.Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
(loan)2010–11 12 2 0 0 0 0 12 2 0 Total 2010 12 2 0 0 0 0 12 2 0 Newcastle United Newcastle United F.C.Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...2010–11 6 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 Total 2011 6 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 Oldham Athletic 2011–12 13 8 0 3 4 0 16 12 0 Total 2011– 13 8 0 3 4 0 16 12 0 Career totals 523 147 21 28 7 5 2 1 0 554 160 28
International goals
Finland's goal tally first. As of 20 August 2011.| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 23 February 2000 | Suphachalasai Stadium Suphachalasai Stadium Suphachalasai Stadium, also known as the National Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The stadium holds 26,000 people and was opened in 1935.-History:... , Bangkok Bangkok Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom... , Thailand |
4–2 | 2000 Kings' Cup | |
| 2. | 16 August 2000 | Ullevaal Stadion Ullevaal Stadion Ullevaal Stadion is an all-seater football stadium located in Oslo, Norway. It is the home ground of Vålerenga IF and the Norway national football team, and the site of the Norwegian Cup Final. From its opening in 1926 to 2009 it was the home ground of FK Lyn. With a capacity of 25,572, it is the... , Oslo, Norway |
3–1 | Friendly Exhibition game An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition... |
|
| 3. | 1 September 2001 | Qemal Stafa, Tirana Tirana Tirana is the capital and the largest city of Albania. Modern Tirana was founded as an Ottoman town in 1614 by Sulejman Bargjini, a local ruler from Mullet, although the area has been continuously inhabited since antiquity. Tirana became Albania's capital city in 1920 and has a population of over... , Albania |
2–0 | 2002 FIFA World Cup qual. 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA) Listed below are the dates and results for the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds for the European zone . For an overview of the qualification rounds, see the article 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification.... |
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| 4. | 9 October 2004 | Ratina Stadion Ratina Stadion Ratina Stadion, built in 1965, is a multi-purpose stadium in Tampere, Finland, with a seating capacity of 17,000 people, and up to 32,000 people for concerts.... , Tampere Tampere Tampere is a city in southern Finland. It is the most populous inland city in any of the Nordic countries. The city has a population of , growing to approximately 300,000 people in the conurbation and over 340,000 in the metropolitan area. Tampere is the third most-populous municipality in... , Finland |
3–1 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qual. 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA) Listed below are the dates and results for the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds for UEFA teams. A total of 51 teams took part, divided in 8 Groups - five groups of 6 teams each and three groups of 7 teams each - competing for 13 places in the World Cup... |
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| 5. | 9 October 2004 | Ratina Stadion, Tampere, Finland | 3–1 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qual. | |
| 6. | 17 November 2007 | Helsinki Olympic Stadium Helsinki Olympic Stadium The Helsinki Olympic Stadium , located in the Töölö district about from the center of the Finnish capital Helsinki, is the largest stadium in the country, nowadays mainly used for hosting sports events and big concerts. The stadium is best known for being the center of activities in the 1952... , Helsinki, Finland |
2–1 | UEFA Euro 2008 qual. | |
| 7. | 28 March 2009 | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... , Wales |
2–0 | 2010 FIFA World Cup qual. 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA) The European zone of qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup saw 53 teams competing for 13 places at the finals. The qualification process started on 20 August 2008, after UEFA Euro 2008, and ended on 18 November 2009. The qualification process saw the first competitive matches of... |
International
|-|1999||2||0
|-
|2000||11||2
|-
|2001||7||1
|-
|2002||7||0
|-
|2003||6||0
|-
|2004||4||2
|-
|2005||5||0
|-
|2006||5||0
|-
|2007||5||1
|-
|2008||0||0
|-
|2009||8||1
|-
|2010||2||0
|-
!Total||62||7
|}
Honours
- 1997 VeikkausliigaVeikkausliigaVeikkausliiga is the premier division of Finnish football, comprising the top 12 clubs of the country. Veikkausliiga is currently ranked as the 28th best league in Europe. Its main sponsor is the Finnish national betting agency Veikkaus, hence the league's name...
Winners Medal with HJK HelsinkiHJK HelsinkiHelsingin Jalkapalloklubi , internationally known as HJK Helsinki, is a Finnish football club, based in the capital Helsinki... - 1998 Finnish CupFinnish CupThe Finnish Cup is Finland's main national cup competition in football.This yearly competition is open for member clubs of the FA of Finland. Finnish Cup has been played since 1955.Finnish Cup winner qualifies to UEFA Europa League...
Winners Medal with HJK HelsinkiHJK HelsinkiHelsingin Jalkapalloklubi , internationally known as HJK Helsinki, is a Finnish football club, based in the capital Helsinki... - 1998 Finnish League CupFinnish League CupThe Finnish League Cup is a knock-out football competition contested annually during pre-season in winter by teams from Veikkausliiga.-Finnish League Cup finals:...
Winners Medal with HJK HelsinkiHJK HelsinkiHelsingin Jalkapalloklubi , internationally known as HJK Helsinki, is a Finnish football club, based in the capital Helsinki... - 2000 VeikkausliigaVeikkausliigaVeikkausliiga is the premier division of Finnish football, comprising the top 12 clubs of the country. Veikkausliiga is currently ranked as the 28th best league in Europe. Its main sponsor is the Finnish national betting agency Veikkaus, hence the league's name...
Top Scorer - 2005 IpswichIpswich Town F.C.Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
Player of the Year
International career
Kuqi made his debut for the Finnish national teamFinland national football team
The Finland national football team represents Finland in international football competitions and is controlled by the Football Association of Finland....
on 18 August 1999 against Belgium, soon after receiving Finnish citizenship. He was a regular member of the Finland squad from 1999 to 2010. He announced his retirement from international football on 24 November 2010
Personal
He is the older brother of Njazi KuqiNjazi Kuqi
Njazi Kuqi is a Finnish footballer of Kosovar Albanian origin who plays in the Greek Superleague for Panionios....
and Albert Kuqi, and the cousin of Daut Kuqi.
External links
- Profile at oldhamathletic.co.uk
- Shefki Kuqi player profile at cpfc.co.uk
- Shefki Kuqi player profile at stockportcounty.com Profile at the FA of Finland's official website
- Premier League profile
- Profile at ESPNsoccernet