RRight-back Cendrim Kameraraj, once one of the great prospects in Swiss football, was forced to retire in the summer of 2024 at just 25 years old due to the series of serious injuries that characterized his career.
In just seven years, his life has changed dramatically. Three torn ligaments ended his career prematurely. Now he is away from the stadium and working for a construction company.
Cristiano Ronaldo inspires the next generation of soccer stars
“Maybe I could have been more patient or listened to my body more before, but I don’t blame myself. I did what I thought was right at the time. Regrets don’t change the past,” he explained in an interview with Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
What impresses me most about Cristiano is his mentality. He never stopped and always demanded more from himself.
In 2018, aged just 19, Camerato was promoted to Juventus’ youth team from Lucerne in Switzerland, where he played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
“When I received the offer from Juventus, it was like a dream. At first I couldn’t believe it. I knew it was a big step, so I was proud, excited and nervous at the same time,” he says.
Training with Cristiano Ronaldo
Training with Cristiano was an experience that left a deep impression on him. “It was unreal and something special. His energy drove him to contribute more. What impressed me most was his mentality. He never stopped, always demanded more from himself. He once told me, ‘Talent is nothing without consistency and hard work.’ Those words stuck with me. Watching him prepare, I learned what it really means to be a professional.”
After his stay in Italy, he returned to Switzerland and also played in Kosovo, of which he is a citizen due to his family background. He also represented both countries at youth level.
