Berisha called up to Germany squad
Fifth FCA player to receive Germany call-up
First Team
17.03.2023, 15:10
Germany national team Hansi Flick named his squad for the international break on Friday afternoon for the upcoming games against Peru and Belgium FCA forward Mergim Berisha was among the nominees.
Berisha, who has scored eight goals and recorded four assists in the Bundesliga this season, follows in the footsteps of Uli Biesinger, Helmut Haller and current teammates André Hahn and Felix Uduokhai to become the fifth FC Augsburg player to be called up to the Germany national team. Former FCA man and current Frankfurt player Philipp Max was named in the squad shortly after leaving the club to join PSV Eindhoven.
“I’m really pleased about the call-up – it’s a dream come true,” said Berisha, who joined FCA in the summer. “I’ve worked long and hard for this moment, but at the same time I know that I haven’t achieved anything yet. I’m looking forward to the challenge of proving myself in the national team. I would like to thank everyone who always believed in me and I’ll give everything and my all to take this opportunity.”
The 24-year-old made 13 appearances for Germany U21s and won the U21 European Championship in 2021 under then-head coach Stefan Kuntz and now-FCA teammates Arne Maier and Niklas Dorsch. The forward started all six games at the tournament in Slovenia and Hungary including the 1-0 win over Portugal in the final.
Gallery: 20230317-mergim-berisha
"We're wishing Mergim all the best"
Club management were also pleased with Berisha’s call-up. “Mergim absolutely deserved the call-up off the back of his strong performances in FCA colours. He knows where the goal is and is capable of holding his own against opponents on the international stage thanks to his powerful style. At the same time, the nomination shows that young players can develop well here at Augsburg. We wish Mergim the best of luck for the international break and hope that he can make his first international cap,” said sporting director Stefan Reuter.
Before heading off with the national team, Berisha and FCA will be in Bundesliga action when FC Schalke 04 visit the WWK-Arena on Saturday afternoon (15:30 CET). Germany will kick off their international action with a friendly on Saturday 25th March against Peru, before another friendly against Domenico Tedesco’s Belgium on Tuesday 28th March. Both games will kick off at 20:45 CET.
