Arsenal's Granit Xhaka offered chance to represent Kosovo

Kosovo's national team was recognised by FIFA four months ago, and they play their first international match against Finland on September 5th.

The squad for the match is due to be announced this week, and the Kosovan FA has invited Xhaka to represent the club. In a statement, they said:

"Kosovo has called up publicly and privately every Kosovan player who currently plays for any other national team

"Everyone is welcomed to join us on our new and very important challenges."

The Kosovan Arsenal fan club implored him to join up to the side in a statement of their own:

"As much as we appreciate what countries like Switzerland have done to raise our children, we want them back as we need them.

"Granit, it is high time for you to become an idol Kosovo-wide, a living hero.

"Playing for Kosovo's national team you might not benefit materially as much as you would playing for Switzerland, but you would win something much more valuable and significant; our hearts."

It is not just Xhaka who is a well known footballer that could be eligible to represent Kosovo. Adnan Januzaj, Shefki Kuqi, Valon Behrami, Lorik Cana, Xhevat Prekazi, Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit's brother Taulant, and Admir Mehmedi are all believed to be eligible for the newly recognised team.