Background and career
Andi Lila (Albanian pronunciation: [ˈandi ˈlila]; born 12 February 1986) is an Albanian former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder. He was a versatile player, having spent his early career as a full-back.
Lila began his senior career at his hometown club Besa Kavajë before moving to Greek side Iraklis in the Super League Greece. He later returned to Besa Kavajë and went on to play for Tirana, winning the 2008–09 Albanian Superliga and 2010–11 Albanian Cup, and spent a significant period at Greek top-flight side PAS Giannina, including a brief loan spell at Italian Serie A side Parma. Lila made over 150 appearances in Greece's first division and ended his playing career at Tirana in 2020 due to injury.
Lila has represented Albania at under-17, under-19, under-21 and senior levels, earning 70 caps for the senior side from 2007 to 2017. He was part of the squad that qualified for UEFA Euro 2016, Albania's first appearance at a major tournament, and played in the historic 1–0 win against Romania in the group stage. Lila also featured in qualifying campaigns and key matches, including Albania's first-ever victory over Portugal in 2014 in the opening Euro 2016 qualifying, and was involved in the controversial 2014 incident in Belgrade against Serbia during the same competition.

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