Some People Are Never Forgotten…

Some people are remembered not only for what they have written, but also for the lasting impact they have had on those with whom they worked.

Today, I had the pleasure of being with my friend and colleague, Fatmir Mëneri, as he donated a collection of sports books translated by him to the “Sami Leka” Public Library in Librazhd.

This is a valuable contribution to readers, sports enthusiasts and young people who want to better understand the history and philosophy of world football.

Among these publications are books featuring some of the greatest names in the game, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gianluca Vialli, Arrigo Sacchi, José Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, Massimiliano Allegri and Antonio Conte. Fatmir has brought their stories and ideas to Albanian readers through high-quality translations produced with admirable dedication.

What makes Fatmir’s work even more remarkable is that these translations were completed during challenging periods of his life. Rather than surrendering to adversity, he chose to transform his difficulties into work, culture and knowledge. His journey is an inspiring example of how passion can triumph over every obstacle.

For me, this meeting also brought back many memories. Thirty-one years ago, we began our journey together at the newspaper Sport Ekspres, where Fatmir Mëneri served as editor-in-chief.

For our generation, that newspaper was more than simply a newsroom—it was the school of Albanian sports journalism.

Fatmir was not merely our editor. He was the mentor who taught us to respect the news, search for the truth, write responsibly and never compromise our professional standards.

He was an educator, an adviser and, above all, an elder brother—as our colleague from Kavaja, Fatmir Efica, would describe him. He always knew how to support us, encourage us and give us confidence.

Today, seeing him surrounded by his books, I realized that the years may pass, but people who leave a lasting mark always remain the same: dedicated, humble and committed to serving knowledge.

Thank you, Fatmir, for everything you have given to Albanian sports journalism, for the translations that are enriching our libraries and for the lessons that continue to guide us today.

Librazhd has gained several valuable books. We have gained yet another reason to be proud of a journalist, translator and intellectual who continues to contribute with the same passion he has always shown.