#Folgaria2026 Day 4 | Focus on Leorat Bega

Folgaria – The Gialloblù completed their fourth day of training at the 'La Pineta' Sports Centre in Folgaria, with two training sessions on the schedule. Today's report features highlights from the sessions, along with an exclusive interview with new Gialloblù midfielder Leorat Bega, who spoke to our microphones.

Tomorrow, Thursday 16 July, the team will again train twice, with sessions scheduled for 10 AM and 5.30 PM.

This Focus On episode is available on Hellas Verona Spotify Channel, too.

Welcome to Verona, Leorat. What are your first impressions after becoming a Hellas Verona player? "First of all, thank you for the warm welcome. It’s an honour to be here. I know I’ve been given a great opportunity and I’m truly happy, especially considering the journey I’ve been through. Being here with my new teammates and getting to know them is something special. At first it’s normal to be a bit shy and not talk to everyone straight away, but I know I’ll settle in little by little. I’m really happy to be here".

Tell us about your journey: you were born in Geneva, started playing football in Switzerland and have had experiences in different countries. What have been the most important steps in your career so far? "I started playing in Geneva, where I stayed until I was 18. Then I moved to Germany. It was a great experience because it was the first time I had gone abroad and I learned a lot there. But I think the period that taught me the most was the time I spent away from football. For two years I watched my former teammates play while I was on the sidelines. It was incredibly difficult, but that’s where I developed the strongest mentality. I think I learned more in those two years than at any other point in my life".

In 2022 you decided to step away from professional football for two years. Can you tell us about that decision and how you experienced that period away from your dream? "As I said, it was a really difficult time. At one point in my life I had to stop because of personal issues, and at that moment football was no longer my priority. Two years felt like a very long time: watching everyone else move forward while I couldn’t do anything, especially not play football, which is the thing I love most in the world. It was a very tough period, but I worked hard to come back. Today I’m here and I’m truly happy".

You were born in Switzerland but have Kosovan roots. How have your roots influenced your personal growth and your journey as a footballer? Can you tell us about your family? "First of all, I want to send my love to my family. They’ve been fundamental for me. They taught me important values, especially when it comes to education and respect. Kosovan culture teaches you to respect others, to be disciplined and to value hard work. I owe all of that to my parents".

You were Hellas Verona’s first signing of the season. What convinced you to accept the Club’s offer? "As I’ve already said, Hellas Verona is a great Italian club. When they called me, even though I had other offers, I immediately told my family that I wanted to come here. The project was perfect for me because I know this is a club that works really well. They explained what they saw in me and I didn’t have a single doubt. I accepted straight away".

What did you know about Hellas Verona before joining the Club? Were you already following Italian football? "Yes, I was already following Italian football, so I knew Hellas Verona as well. In particular, I followed Antoine Bernede, who had played in Switzerland before moving to Italy. I used to watch him and Italian football has always been a league that attracted me".

How would you describe yourself as a player? What are your main qualities and which position do you prefer to play? "I’m a tall player with good physical presence, but despite my height I also consider myself technical and comfortable on the ball. I don’t have a favourite position. I can play as a number 6, an 8 or a 10. The most important thing for me is to be on the pitch, enjoy myself and give everything for my teammates".

Is there a player you look up to? "Paul Pogba. I’ve always thought he was an outstanding player in every aspect of the game. He has always been my role model".

Moving from the Swiss second division to Italian Serie B is a significant step. What do you think are the main differences between Italian and Swiss football? "I think the biggest difference compared to the Swiss second division is the physical intensity. Italian football is very intense, there’s a lot of running and the pace is extremely high. That’s the main difference. I can already feel it in training: everything is much faster here than it was in Switzerland. I’ve only been here for five days, so it’s normal that I need a bit of time, but I work hard every day to be ready and I’m convinced I made the right choice".

How is your integration into the squad going? Is there a teammate you've bonded with in these first few days? "It’s going really well. Everyone has welcomed me in the best possible way. I’m quite a reserved person and I don’t immediately open up to people, so I need a bit of time. But I feel that everyone is trying to make me feel comfortable: the coach, the staff and my teammates. With Antoine it was easier right from the start because, even though we didn’t know each other personally, I used to follow him when he was playing for Lausanne".

Away from football, who is Leorat Bega? "I’m a simple person who doesn’t like to make life complicated. I enjoy joking around with people, but I’m also always there if a teammate needs help. I like getting along with everyone".

What are your passions outside football? Have you played any other sports? "When I stopped playing football, I trained in MMA for one or two months. Besides football, I mainly follow MMA and tennis. Those are the sports I enjoy the most".

Are you good at tennis? "Not really! I’m better at MMA".

Speaking of passions, where does your distinctive hairstyle come from? "When I was younger, my brother noticed that my hair was a bit curly. He always told me that if I let it grow, I’d have my own unique style. I listened to him, and now everyone talks about my hair. I’d say he was right".

Between music, films and books, which do you prefer? "Music, films and books, in that order".

What kind of music do you listen to the most? "I like the group PNL".

Before discovering Italian cuisine, what is your favourite cuisine? "Albanian cuisine".

And your favourite dish? "Flia. I’m not sure if people know it here".

Can you cook it yourself? "No, my mum makes it".

How many languages do you speak? "French, Albanian, a bit of English and a bit of German. Give me one or two months and I think I’ll be speaking Italian as well".