Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani swells with pride after ‘happy homecoming’ at Union Berlin | OneFootball

The Fisnik Asllani show rolls on at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. For the second time this season through three matchdays, the 23-year-old has grabbed Man-of-the-Match honors for his Bundesliga club. The latest performance naturally meant much more to Asllani, as he excelled in his return to his hometown and old academy side 1. FC Union Berlin.

The Berlin-native grew up in the capital city’s Lichtenberg borough on the East side. After eight years playing for the local BFC Dynamo, Asllani made the switch over to nearby Köpenick to join the Eisernen academy. It would be around the Stadion An der Alten Försterei that Asllani honed his skills for four years before Hoffenheim picked him up.

During his post-match interview, Asllani admitted that he was very nervous stepping onto the pitch knowing that a cohort of family members were in the stands watching him live. Asllani’s nerves manifested themselves somewhat in the opening stages. A strong save by FCU keeper Frederik Rønnow in 5th-minute could have thrown him off his game.

Asllani persevered and ended up scoring two goals in the 2-4 away victory. In four competitive appearances across all competitions for Hoffenheim thus far this year, Asllani has netted four goals and registered two assists. The Kosovo international’s rapid rise continues. Asllani finally appears poised to break out after Hoffenheim sent him on two developmental loan assignments.

“I had goosebumps when I came out,” Asllani remarked in the mixed zone. “I’ve never played in this stadium when it was full. Then to score two goals is a very nice thing. Friends, family, many old colleagues, and even old teachers are here. It fills you with pride. Union is a tough opponent. It’s also my home town. To have scored two goals here makes me really proud.“

GGFN | Peter Weis