Shefki Kuqi

Shefki Kuqi (pronounced ; born 10 November 1976 in Vushtrri) is a professional footballer who is currently without a club after being released by Newcastle United. Kuqi plays predominately as a striker. Kuqi has spent the majority of his career in England, and has played for several Football League clubs including Stockport County, Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich Town, Blackburn Rovers, Crystal Palace and Fulham, as well as Swansea City in Wales. He has made almost 500 career league appearances, scoring nearly 150 goals.

Kuqi represented the Finland national football team at international level, with seven goals from sixty two appearances. His trademark goal celebration of bellyflopping onto the ground has led to his nickname of the "Flying Finn".

Football career

Kosovo

Kuqi was born in Vushtrri. He started his youth career at Trepça, he played several games for the youth team, but he and his family later moved to Finland as Kosovar Albanian immigrants.

Finland

Kuqi started his playing career with Kangasniemen Palloseura. He later played for Mikkelin Kissat, Mikkelin Palloilijat, HJK and FC Jokerit in Finland's Veikkausliiga. Kuqi played in UEFA Champions League in autumn 1998 with HJK. Kuqi was the league top scorer in the 2000 season, representing FC Jokerit side.

Stockport County

Kuqi joined Stockport County in January 2001. Regarded by many as the saviour of County's 2000–01 season as he impressed with his speed and strength, he went on to score six...
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