*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 21 April 2018 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 19 February 2016
Roland Peqini (born 25 December 1990) is a former Albanian professional footballer who played as a defender.[1]
Club career
Tërbuni Pukë
In July 2015, Peqini completed a transfer to newly promoted top flight side Tërbuni Pukë for an undisclosed fee.[2] He made his debut on 23 August by starting in team's first ever Albanian Superliga match against Tirana which finished in a 1–2 home defeat, despite taking the lead.[3] Peqini made 16 league appearances, in addition 2 in cup, before leaving in the first days in January.[4]
Return to Kukësi
On 4 January 2016, Peqini agreed terms with his former club Kukësi where he signed a contract until the end of the season, returning to the team for a third time.[5][6] However, his third spell with the club was short-lived, as he was suddenly released after only 14 days.[7] Speaking on that, he accused the team's coach Klodian Duro as the main reason of his departure, by saying: "it was him [Duro] who brought me to Kukësi and was him who removed me from the team."[8]
Return to Dinamo Tirana
On 23 January 2016, Peqini joined Albanian First Division strugglers Dinamo Tirana on an 18-month contract, returning to the capital club after four years absence.[9] He was assigned squad number 15 and made his return debut on 13 February in a 1–0 away defeat to Butrinti Sarandë, playing full-90 minutes.[10]
Elbasani
On 11 September 2016, Peqini joined the fellow Albanian First Division side Elbasani on a free transfer, signing a one-year contract.[11] He left the club on 29 January of the following year after 12 league appearances due to club financial problems.[12]
Third spell at Dinamo Tirana
On 1 February 2017, after leaving Elbasani, Peqini returned to Dinamo on a free transfer by signing until the end of the season.[13] After two matches as an unused substitute, Peqini appeared on the matchday 16 against Pogradeci, entering as a substitute in the 25th minute to fill the blank left by the dismissal of Julian Brahja, with the finishing in a 0–1 home defeat.[14] He concluded the second part of 2016–17 season with 8 league appearances as Dinamo once again escape relegation.[15] He agreed a contract extension for another season in August 2017,[16] and was also named club captain.[17]
Retirement
On 3 July 2018, Peqini announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 27, citing his injuries as the main reason.[18]
International career
Peqini has been a former Albania U21 member, ammasing 9 appearances from 2010 to 2012. He made his first appearance on 26 May 2010 in a friendly versus Poland which ended in a 2–2 draw.[19]
^"Gjoni, në misionin e "babagjyshit"" [Gjoni, in the "santa claus" mission] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 5 January 2016. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
^Erald Kodheli (4 January 2016). "Roland Peqini firmos te Kukësi" [Roland Peqini sign for Kukësi] (in Albanian). SuperSport Albania. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
^Skerdilaid Sulozeqi (23 January 2016). "Peqini: Jam rikthyer në shtëpi" [Peqini: I'm back home] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 23 January 2016.
^"Rikthehet Roland Peqini" [Roland Peqini returns] (in Albanian). Sportal.al. 1 February 2017. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
^Erald Kodheli (17 February 2017). "Pogradeci mposht Dinamon për 63 sekonda" [Pogradeci defeats Dinamo on 63 seconds] (in Albanian). Super Sport Albania. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
^Jurgen Zela (22 September 2017). "Peqini: Fanella e Dinamos është e rëndë" [Peqini: Dinamo's jersey is heavy] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
