Bruno Telushi

Bruno Telushi (born 14 November 1990) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for AF Elbasani.

Telushi begun his career with his local club Flamurtari, making his debut in 2011 after spending four years in Italy at Virtus Entella. From 2014 to 2017 he served as the captain of Flamurtari, replacing Franc Veliu. In 2017, he moved aboard for the first time, joining Croatia's Slaven Belupo. After a short spell, he returned in Albanian by joining Partizani Tirana, whom he won the Albanian Superliga title in the 2018–19 season. In August 2020, he joined Kukësi as a free agent.

A former youth international, Telushi first represented the under-17 squad and then the under-21, and is yet to make his senior debut, despite receiving a call-up in November 2012.

Club career

Flamurtari

Telushi was born in Vlorë. He returned to his hometown club Flamurtari in 2011 and was Immediately introduced into the first team, although he was an unused substitute in three of the club's Europa League games at the start of the season. He made his Flamurtari and Albanian Superliga debut on 11 September 2011 against newly promoted side Kamza in a 2–1 win, with Telushi playing the full 90 minutes of the game. Flamurtari finished the season in the fourth place, and since Tirana was the Albanian Cup winner, Flamurtari gained the right to qualify in the Europa League for the next season.

Telushi made his European debut on 5 July 2012 in the first leg of 2012–13 UEFA Europa League's first qualifying round against the Hungarian side Honvéd at home, playing full-90 minutes in a losing effort. He ended his European campaign by playing 73 minutes in the returning leg at Bozsik Stadion, as Flamurtari was eliminated with the aggregate 3–0.

On 10 November 2013, Telushi scored his first career brace in the 11th matchday of Albanian Superliga against Lushnja; he scored the first two goals of his team before was replaced for Orjand Beqiri in the 83rd minute, as Flamurtari won 4–3 thanks to a Lorenc Shehaj strike in the very last seconds of the match. On 11 November 2014, Telushi was named the new captain of Flamurtari thanks to his solid performances, taking the duty over Franc Veliu.

On 17 October 2015, Telushi played his 100th league match during the 1–1 away draw against Tirana, playing full-90 minutes at Qemal Stafa Stadium. On 7 November 2015, during the league match against Teuta at Niko Dovana Stadium, Telushi was red-carded in 81st minute after punching Teuta's defender Silvester Shkalla. Flamurtari lost the match 3–1. Four days later, he was later suspended for 5 matches for his behaviour by the Disciplinary Committee of AFA.

On 17 February of the following year, in the match valid for the returning leg of 2015–16 Albanian Cup quarter-final, Telushi scored the opener against Tirana in the 16th minute in an eventual 2–1 away win. Flamurtari, despite losing 1–0 in the first leg at home, progressed to the semi-final thanks to away goal rule.

During 2016–17 season Telushi played 32 league matches, scoring four times in the process, as the team avoided the relegation by just one point. He also contributed with 5 matches in Albanian Cup, scoring three times, including a brace in the first round against Iliria, as Flamurtari was eliminated in the quarter-finals.

Slaven Belupo

On 10 June 2017, it was reported that Telushi left Flamurtari to purchase a career outside of Albania, asking the club to be released, which was granted. On 13 June 2017, Telushi joined Slaven Belupo of Prva HNL as a free transfer. He was presented the same day where he penned a two-year contract with an option of a further one. After his three first appearances with the club he was selected as the player of the week of Prva HNL. After an initial good start, Telushi lost his place in the starting lineup before leaving the club in December 2017. He made 9 appearances, including 8 in league as the last match he played was on 16 September.

Partizani

On 12 December 2017, Telushi begun training with Partizani. Three days later, he completed a transfer with the capital club by signing a two-and-a-half contract, receiving his favourite squad number 17 in the process. He made his first Partizani appearance on 26 January by playing the entirely of the match against his former side Flamurtari, as Partizani was defeated in the very last seconds.

Telushi begun the new domestic season on 17 August by playing full-90 minutes in the opening league match of season, a 1–0 loss to Skënderbeu. In the second week eight days later, he scored in the match against Kamza, firing a direct free-kick which gave the team the first win of the season. In the 2018–19 Albanian Superliga season, Telushi was one of the main protagonists in Skënder Gega, which won the championship for Partizani for the first time in 26 years; he scored 7 goals, setting a new personal best. During that season, he also earned the nickname "Ushtar Telushi" ("Soldier Telushi" in English) for his work-rate.

On 12 February 2020, Telushi scored his first career hat-trick in a 3–1 win over Besëlidhja Lezhë in the Albanian Cup.

On 10 August 2020, Partizani announced to have parted ways with Telushi, thus ending the player's two-and-a-half tenure at the club. According to the media, Partizani offered him the renewal but with a significant wage decrease, which Telushi refused.

Kukësi

On 12 August 2020, Kukësi announced to have signed Telushi on a dead running until 2022. It was reported that he will earn €6,000 per month.

Neftçi

On 15 October 2020, Telushi signed a contract with Azerbaijan Premier League side Neftçi PFK until the end of the 2020–21 season. Telushi left Neftçi in June 2021.

International career

Youth

In October 2006, Telushi was called to play for the Albania U17 side in the qualifying round of UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He made his competitive debut with the team on 15 October in a 4–1 away lose to Finland.

Telushi made his debut with Albania U21 side on 6 September 2011 during match against Moldova for the qualifiers of the 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He appeared as a 33rd-minute substitute for the injured striker Armando Pasha and later scored the fourth goal of the match on the 79th minute in an eventual 4–3 home win. Telushi made his first start in his fourth appearance later on 14 November 2011 in a 2–2 home draw against Portugal, playing for 80 minutes before being replaced by Vasil Shkurtaj. Albania finished the qualifiers in the last position in Group 6 with one win, two draws and five defeats, collecting only five points.

Senior

On 11 November 2012, Telushi was called up to the Albania national football team for the first time by the coach Gianni De Biasi ahead of a friendly against the Cameroon. He was an unused substitute in the match which finished in a goalless draw at Stade de Genève.

Style of play

Telushi mainly operates as a central midfielder, but he can play in different positions in midfield. He is a very energetic player, who also possesses an eye for goal due to his accurate striking ability from distance. He is also known for scoring from free kicks and penalties. Telushi has cited his role model the former English midfielder Steven Gerrard

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