Two Maltese physios in working experience at Man. United clinic

Alan Zammit and Andrè Abdilla, two physiotherapists from the Fortina Spa, Sliema, have been invited by English Premier League club Manchester United for a hands-on workshop at their clinic.

Zammit, a former athlete and footballer and now acting as head of rehabilitation at the Fortina Spa, and Abdilla flew out to Manchester last Saturday, arriving at Old Trafford just in time to watch United's 5-3 Premier League victory over Newcastle.

The two Maltese physiotherapists were due to practise at the Manchester United clinic yesterday and today. Tomorrow, they will attend a course focusing on pain treatment.

Fortina Spa and Manchester United have forged a professional relationship over the last year, culminating in the visit of Rob Swire, the head physiotherapist at United, to Malta last summer. During his short stay in Malta, Swire delivered a lecture on sports injuries.

Next year, Swire is expected to pay another visit to the Hotel Fortina to give more lectures covering various topics.

Gary Neville, the Manchester United and England defender, also spent part of his rehabilitation programme from an ankle injury at the highly-equipped Fortina Spa.

Contacted by The Times, Zammit said that their visit to Manchester United will also help to strengthen the relationship between Fortina Spa and the Old Trafford club.

This should also increase the likelihood of more United players choosing the Fortina Spa to continue their rehabilitation from injuries when they are allowed short breaks by their club.

The visit of Zammit and Abdilla to Manchester was made possible by Michael Zammit Tabona, managing director at Hotel Fortina.