There are not a few artists around the world who enjoy the attention of the public extremely, just as there are many others who this part gives them annoyance, creates anxiety, deprives them of the daily life that we, the rest of the living, live without falling in the eyes and as we like. Because the whole world doesn't recognize us and no one twists their lips if we are one day poorly dressed, one day without makeup or another day with messy hair.

Popular characters are always divided when it comes to attention; those who do their best to have and be liked by everyone and others who, no matter how famous they are, are happy to live the rest outside of fame like everyone else; to go out, to laugh, to stumble on the street, to shop... After all, to live like people.

One of those who immediately gained approval and received the attention of the public was the beauty who, especially football fans, will not forget easily. Although her first "hit" with the public was not from the stadium, she knew how to make good use of this last one to become one of the most loved portraits of the fans. Sexier, shall we say better (to be honest)...

Rike Roçin, surely you all remember him from the sixth edition of Big Brother. Many years have passed since then and, as with all former Big Brother contestants over the years, life has returned to reality - sometimes the same and sometimes not. A good part of them are almost forgotten as soon as they leave the house and return to their quiet life. But this did not happen to everyone. Because there were those who took fame from home and "used" it outside of it.

The Albanian beauty, with the Italian diction of the spoken language since childhood, came to Albania to live a different reality. Although she quickly returned to her life after Big Brother, Rikja would slightly change her routine to make the Italy-Albania route more often now that everyone knew her. And that everyone loved her... Until a few years later, the photos of Rika and her friend would circulate in all international media as the two sexiest and most ardent fans of Albania in 'Euro 2016'.

Several years have passed since then, but Rikja is the same beautiful and sexy girl you all remember from the stadium. Of course, with many changes and new things in her life, professional and personal. After a set of photos (why are her photos always so sensual?) taken recently, Rikja sat down with us to talk about herself, about things she hasn't said publicly before; for the heart that is full, but also for the voice of all the women and girls who do not dare to accept themselves as they are, despite all the obstacles, problems and conditions dictated by their circumstances.

In an honest confession, as rarely when he agrees to be a part of interviews and attention, Rikja has revealed much more... Exclusively for Class.

- It has been a long time since you were absent from the Albanian public, why this election all these years?

I chose to retire for a relatively long time because I wanted to deal with other things in terms of my professional growth. In these years, I have been more involved in theater. I have had several projects in acting. It is a very beautiful genre, with all the difficulties it has. I really like it and it's been a while since I devoted myself more to it.

- How did you find your hometown after a long absence?

In fact, I had 3 years without coming to Albania. To be honest, here people are either very rich or very poor, the middle class has disappeared. I have seen a lot of injustice, there is racism and social discrimination. I'm sorry to say, but these things haven't changed. And, as far as I see and understand, they don't have to change for a long time.

- The pandemic was a very sad period for Italy, how did that time pass for you?

Ah, looks like a bad movie that year. For me, the pandemic has been very difficult, because the area where I live has been a red zone. We could only go out in case of emergency. It has been difficult, because I felt like I was in prison (like everyone else, actually). I couldn't even meet my little niece, because we couldn't even run away to our relatives' houses.

- More than 25 years in Italy, it has already become the country of birth, do you ever think of returning to Albania?

I love Albania very much, especially my Durrës. I miss it sometimes, especially for some foods that I can't find in Italy. But it's been years now and I'm used to this part.

Italy raised me, for me it is my home. I don't think I can live anywhere else. I came here very young, so I consider it my decision. But 'mai dire mai'.

- Would you leave Italy for an invitation to Big Brother VIP?

In fact, I was offered a job by Arbana in the first edition, but I refused, because I had the theater and I couldn't leave it. Let's just say it was a little tempting at first. When you think about it and know what goes on inside, you say 'why not?' But I was busy at the time and could not leave the projects I had here for a long time.

- Would you try it again as an experience (BBV)?

Since I have tried it, it is an experience I know, but I was more or less 20 years old when I tried it. Maybe now I could experience it much differently, because I am more mature. But I don't know if I would accept. It depends on a lot of things now, it's different…

- From whom, for example, someone who 'hinders' you?

Hahaha, not that I mind, but someone I would discuss twice. Not like when I was 20 years old.

- Physically, you always look in great shape, do you have any special recipe that we should know about?

Thank you very much. I'm glad that I look like that, but the truth is that I'm not at all in shape, I've even gained a lot of weight, because I'm doing hormone treatment. Besides, I'm not at all sporty. The only thing I do is eat well, healthy and take vitamins.

- What are you being treated for, any health problems?

Yes, I am having ongoing treatments for endometriosis. I discovered it in 2018, as many specialists did not understand what I had. They told me it's normal to have pain when you have your menstrual cycle, it's normal to stay in bed... No, it's not normal at all, it's a very painful disease. They have also compared it to labor pains. All women and girls affected by endometriosis have these pains every month or there are cases (even when you are not on cycle days) even every day.

- Were you aware of this hormonal disorder before?

No, I didn't know anything before. In fact, I've had it for years, since I was a teenager, but it wasn't until 2018 that I found a specialist who diagnosed it. Most gynecologists, unfortunately, are not very familiar with endometriosis, as it is a disease that is still being studied and not much is known about it. That's why they call it an "invisible" disease. Although you look good and fit on the outside, you are in terrible pain on the inside.

After I was diagnosed, I also started to get more information. Endometriosis is a chronic painful disease, widespread but invisible.

- How important is it to talk publicly about such a diagnosis?

It is very important to talk about this diagnosis, since many girls and women suffer to discover this diagnosis, even up to 7-8 years, because there is not much information and they think that it is normal to have those sufferings...

It is important to tell all girls and women suffering from the same diagnosis that they are not alone. There are millions of women here in Italy and millions all over the world. All of them should know that there is treatment for endometriosis. In Italy, the 'Iene' program talked about this diagnosis. I got the courage to speak openly, even publicly, about this disease, from which many girls and women suffer.

- Do you know, in our country there is enough knowledge about endometriosis, since it is such a delicate diagnosis?

I would really like to talk about this diagnosis in Albania, it would be a great help for all. I want to say to all the women and girls in Albania, especially those who have severe pain during the menstrual cycle or even before it, if they have severe abdominal pain, pain during sexual intercourse or during gynecological examinations, they should definitely get checked for first if they suffer from endometriosis.

Even if you have pain in your legs and/or lower back, it is not normal, so you should definitely do the magnetic resonance in the abdominal area and find a specialist. I really want to stress this part because I've suffered from it myself for a very long time: being in severe pain is not NORMAL. Boll has told us the opposite for years. IT'S NOT NORMAL, IT'S CALLED ENDOMETRIOSIS AND IF YOU DON'T TREAT IT, YOU CAN REMAIN STERILE.

- Was this the reason you left the media attention in Albania? Although the portals have teased you from time to time, haven't they?

I stopped paying attention, because I realized that it was becoming disturbing to me, and it was even affecting my health. I began to experience anxiety from the attention, so I decided to take care of myself and my private life. If before I published a lot on social networks, now I keep it to myself most of the time.

- However, the media have had rosy news from Rikja, do you have any comments about them?

In most cases, what was written about me were untrue. I have no comment that they do their job badly, but they do. I would only be worried if I read that they wrote something true about my private life, then I would be very upset, because I want it to remain private.

- Is there someone in your life at this time?

Yes, and our goal is to start a family as soon as possible.

- We say nothing more about the boy who stole your heart?

Didn't we talk about privacy just above? I want it to stay private, at least for now. I think the time will come to share it with everyone. Wish you soon!

- In addition to modeling, have you also tried cinema, acting? Have you been offered any roles?

I have always worked as a model because I am only 1.70 tall. I was offered a role in the cinema, but there would be nude scenes and I couldn't do it. I immediately rejected it.

- To succeed in a certain field, do you have to make compromises?

It depends on what field you are in, but I think that to be successful you have to do it on your own, although in most cases that is not the case. I think we live in a society that does not have meritocracy and anyone who is thirsty for success has definitely made compromises... I have this conviction.

- What is the thing you would never compromise on?

I have never made compromises in life. I have always taken what I have achieved with my own strength and I believe that I will continue like this for the rest of my life.

She didn't find it difficult to talk about endometriosis, on the contrary, she gladly accepted for a good cause: to become a voice to speak, so that many other women and girls are not silenced in front of the problems they face with their bodies. But there was one more worry: if she remained silent, perhaps many other girls and women would continue to think in silence, as she had until now. Or, as he had been led to believe: IT IS NORMAL....

In fact, Rikja not only said it, but also firmly believes what she is saying today for the first time publicly. Loudly:

It is not normal to have severe abdominal pain during the menstrual cycle, during sexual intercourse or during gynecological examinations. You should definitely do the magnetic resonance in the abdominal area.

It's not normal to suffer, it's not normal to lie in bed, it's not normal to be silent...

It's normal to accept and love your body the way you have it, it's normal to do periodic checkups whenever you notice something is wrong with your body.

It is normal to realize that the people around you also care that you are well, healthy and energetic.

Above all, IT IS NORMAL for each of us to have a life full of love.

Rikja has it... Make sure you have it too!

Credits: 

Make up & Hair Stylist: Enea Shukle & Sofia Pisoni

Photo: Arbnor Allaraj, Davide Bernardelli

Location:  Hotel Delight & Spa