City always close to heart, says Monesterolo

There has always been a sense of urgency about Sebastian Monesterolo. And one can safely say that this trait has stood him in good stead.

The bulk of the 27 league goals Monesterolo has plundered during his one-year spell with Valletta emanated from his natural instinct to make things happen in the 'danger zone'.

That, allied to his sound football skills and eye for goal, earned Monesterolo iconic status among the City faithful.

A high degree of exigency characterised events over the past week that saw Monesterolo jetting out to Kuwait on Wednesday to put the finishing touches to his move to Kuwait Sporting Club.

News of Monesterolo's impending journey to the riches of Kuwaiti football inevitably drained the erstwhile high spirits of the City clan but their disappointment was tinged with an acceptance that their stalwart deserved his chance to earn a more lucrative contract away from our shores.

The message sprayed across a banner that was on display at the National Stadium during Saturday's Valletta-Sliema match, epitomised the feelings of most of the City fans.

Written in Spanish, the message read: 'Muchas gracias Sebagol!!! Valletta nunca se olvidara de usted'. (Many thanks Sebagol!!! Valletta will never forget you).

Monesterolo returned to Malta on Sunday night to pack his things, say his final goodbyes and, more importantly, re-unite with his young pregnant wife Jessica and son Thomas.

Early this morning, the Monesterolo family boarded a flight to Rome and then to Kuwait City for the start of their new adventure.

Despite his crammed schedule, Monesterolo still found time to speak to The Times yesterday.

Wearing casual clothes, Monesterolo's demeanour conveyed a mixture of excitement, sadness and the characteristic urgency to sort out all the logistics of his relocation to Kuwait, so he can begin to concentrate on his football.

"Everything happened so fast," Monesterolo remarked. "I really didn't have time to think about this new development in my life.

"At the moment, I feel a bit sad.

"I'm sad because I know I will miss all the wonderful people, especially the supporters, I've met here and those who are involved with the Valletta club.

"That said, I had to make a decision. I have ambition to progress in my career and after a long consideration, I felt that a move to Kuwait represents a step forward.

"Money is important in life but it's not everything. I'm not going to Kuwait just for the money. I'm going there to experience a new football environment.

"I don't know how it will work out but the prospect of playing in the Asian Cup and the Asian Champions League helped me make this decision. This is a big challenge but I'm prepared to work hard to succeed."

Monesterolo's move to Kuwait Sporting Club was officially completed on Friday but it had been considered a done deal from the moment the 23-year-old striker received Valletta's go-ahead to travel to the Gulf state to discuss personal terms with his new paymasters.

Discussions were not as straightforward as they seemed to be when news of Kuwait SC's interest in Monesterolo was made public.

"I went to Kuwait under the impression that everything had been settled and I only had to sign the contract," Monesterolo, who is only two months short of his 24th birthday, said.

"At one time, things looked a bit confusing. I spent 24 hours in Kuwait before signing the papers. Before that, I passed a medical and a physical test."

Monesterolo has signed for Kuwait SC until July 31, 2007 but the contract contains a clause giving the club the option to retain the Argentine for another two years.

Although his stay in Kuwait last week was short, Monesterolo has been suitably impressed by his new country of residence.

"Kuwait is a nice place, very futuristic in appearance," he said.

"The club has a professional set-up. I had two training sessions with the team and played a friendly which we won 2-1. Also, I was glad to learn that the physical trainer of the team is from Argentina."

Monesterolo is expected to make his debut for Kuwait SC in a cup match on Friday. The Argentine has already been informed that Ziya Yildiz, the former Rabat Ajax and Floriana coach, is also working in Kuwait as coach one of the leading clubs. The Maltese connection in Kuwait looked set to grow last weekend when rumours circulated that Kuwait SC were mulling over a bid for Msida's Ibrahim Babatunde.

Monesterolo knew about the possibility of Babatunde joining him at Kuwait SC but this is unlikely to happen in the immediate future.

"I was told that Kuwait Sporting Club had asked about Babatunde but because of time constraints, they have now decided to sign another striker," Monesterolo said.

Monesterolo travels to Kuwait with cherished memories of Malta, the people and its football.

"I was very happy at Valletta," Monesterolo said. "I can only speak positively about my stay in Malta. I have made more friends here than I had in any other country.

"With regards to Maltese football, I really think that there are many good players here who could easily do well in a better league.

"However, players need to have more support from the clubs and the football association so they can have a professional career.

"I enjoyed playing with Valletta. Their fans... they are the best. My only disappointment is that I didn't win a trophy during my time with Valletta."

Life without Monesterolo began on a low note for Valletta after they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Sliema last weekend. It was the first time this season that the Citizens had lost two games in a row after their 2-1 defeat to Hibs.

Although the mood at Valletta is downbeat, Monesterolo is confident that the Citizens will get through this sticky patch.

"I only urge the club to show confidence in this group of players. Valletta have a young team but the prospects are very good," he said.

"In Paul Zammit, Valletta have an excellent coach. He's the most important figure in my career so far."

Monesterolo struggled to keep his emotions under check when invited to pass a message to the fans.

"To the Valletta fans, I say thank you very much," Monesterolo, his eyes turning watery, whispered.

"I know I will miss them but I promise that one day I will return to see them. My wish is to play for Valletta again in the future.

"This club will always have a special place in my heart. I take this opportunity to thank the players, coach, club officials and all those who helped me during my stay in Malta."