Albanian football players welcomed on the red carpet in Tirana

The football team of Albania was ceremonially welcomed today at the airport in Tirana on a red carpet with the national guard, after returning from the European Championship in France.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed the national team players at the airport in Tirana, before the players boarded the open bus.

Players will receive symbolic keys to Tirana and applications for diplomatic passports, to highlight their role as ambassadors of Albania. They will visit the fan zone in the city, where the music program is being prepared.

Thousands of people welcomed the national team players in very warm weather in Tirana, the streets were decorated with Albanian flags, and the fans shouted: "Well done, boys".

Albania took part in the European Championship for the first time, where they took third place in Group A with three points, with a 1:0 victory over Romania.

The Albanian government rewarded the players and coaching staff with one million euros.

"Sports can be a good way to achieve diplomacy, you have shown that you are our ambassadors in the world. Albania has many diplomats, but you achieved real perfection with the message you sent to the world," said Albanian Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati.

Heavy security followed the national team, a helicopter flew over an open bus, and some streets were temporarily closed.

"Thank you for your great support and for welcoming us in the bright sun," said captain Lorik Cana, who ended his national team career.

The head coach of Albania, Giovanni De Biazi, said that young people "who want a different way of life, should follow the example of the national football team".