Skefki Kuqi has described the moment he heard about Besian as the worst experience of his life

The Swansea City striker was in Kosovo when he found out the tragic news of his team-mates passing and admits that he wasn't sure what to do but went immediately to Austria to see Besian's family.

Talking to the Evening Post about that day last month, the striker said "Dorus rang me a couple of times, but I was in a place where I couldn't answer my phone, then he sent me an SMS saying 'please call me back

"I thought it was about a transfer or someone going, but he wanted to know if I'd heard anything. He said Besian's girlfriend had sent his girlfriend a text message. He hoped it was a sick joke, but it said Besian had died.

"I couldn't believe it, but I told him to please find out.

"I rang Besian's mum to find out what was going on and I rang my brother in Germany because he knew a friend of his in Austria. That's when I heard.

"They both rang me back, shouting and screaming saying, 'he's gone'.

"It was the worst experience I have ever had. I didn't really know what to do — everything went black for a second, I couldn't believe it.

"His dad was so pleased I went over," said Kuqi. "I'd only met his mum and one of his brothers before, I didn't know anyone else. I wanted to go and see Bes, but they said no.

"I was there two days, then I had to come back as I had to organise everything because the media in Kosovo didn't know.

"I spoke with the gaffer and Garry Monk. Lots of players wanted to come over but couldn't because the funeral was so soon.

"To be honest since I've come back, after what happened with Besian, it's been really hard," said Kuqi.

"I go for a run to get my mind off things a little bit.

"It's really difficult to deal with these kind of things. It's hard now and it'll be really hard in pre-season without him.

"I still can't believe it, there are so many things going on in my mind. We spent so much time together, he had become more like family than a friend. It's just shocking.

"I'm strong because I've been through lots of things in life, and my wife too," said Kuqi.

"She was in a war and got through that as well as other things.

"We will have a baby soon and that keeps me busy.

"I can't wait for the season to start because I want to do a lot for Besian.

"We had a lot planned for him next season so now my season's going to be for him."

Photo: Action Images

Colchester United Polls