The death of Pullu Demanuele will surely go down as one of the saddest days in Maltese football. Demanuele, popularly known as Il-Koku, left behind him fond memories from one of the brightest periods in the history of the game in Malta.
Demanuele was born in Floriana on February 22, 1930. There, he learned his football, kicking a ball around in the streets. A prominent member of the famous Ajax team of the 1940s, Demanuele soon developed into one of the most exciting outside-lefts ever. His body feints and intricate fast dribbling, coupled by a 'killer' left foot, earned him a place in football's Hall of Fame.
In a career that spanned a period of over 17 years, he made 190 league appearances for Floriana and scored 101 goals. His scoring feats stand out more when one considers that in his time, a winger used to hug the touchline and hardly ever ventured into the penalty area. In fact, he was twice league top scorer.
Traditionally, Floriana were always strong on the wings. One need only mention Guzi Samuel, Guzi Agius, Salvu Grima, 'Kaneni' Cauchi and Leli Cauchi as the best among many. The best, that is, before the war because after the end of hostilities another star was born... Pullu Demanuele.
Those of you who like me have seen the wrong side of 60 will surely remember the time when football was still played according to the old 'W' formation.
The wingers formed the outside points of the W while the centre-forward occupied the middle point. The inside forwards dropped behind the wingers and centre-forward.
Wingers were a pleasure to watch in the old days and Demanuele was probably the best of them all. His seven championship, eight FA Trophy, six Cassar Cup and two Scicluna Cup medals make him one of the most honoured players in Malta.
His national team career is also impressive. He earned eight full caps at a time when the national team played only a handful of matches.
With the MFA XI he played against some of the most famous clubs in Europe but his greatest moment came on February 24, 1957 when he played in the country's first-ever international against Austria.
Together with his left-wing partner Lolly Borg, Demanuele was the heart and soul of the Floriana team which between 1949-53 won four consecutive championships, a record that still stands to this day.
In the 1950s, at a time when Demanuele was at the peak of his career, he went on holiday with his mate Charlie Brincat to the UK to visit Johnnie Alamango who at the time was on trial with Arsenal.
During his stay in London, Demanuele met Ian Black, the Fulham goalkeeper who during his national service in Malta played some games with Floriana. Black took the opportunity to introduce him to Fulham.
Demanuele scored two goals in a reserve game for the West London club but although he was offered a contract he refused to stay in England.
During this same period he also had offers from Arsenal, Liverpool and Wolves but each time he passed over golden opportunities to make a career in the biggest league in the world because he did not want to leave Malta and his beloved Floriana.
Demanuele's biggest game for Floriana was perhaps that played in the league in 1949 against Valletta.
Floriana opened the scoring early in the game but the Citizens drew level just before half-time.
The second period was a ding-dong battle with both sides producing all the tricks in the book in an attempt to take advantage. Midway through the half, Demanuele received a pass on the left wing. He beat right back Alfie Pearson, and raced towards the penalty area. Scenting danger, Wenzu Gabaretta came out of his charge to narrow the angle. Demanuele aimed at the far side of the target and let loose a bombshell which beat the great Valletta and Malta goalkeeper all the way.
That was the tonic the Greens needed and after Charlie Azzopardi had scored the third goal for Floriana, Demanuele was presented with a second chance in similar circumstances.
He seized on the opportunity and as if to show that his first goal was not a fluke he repeated the same proceedings to beat Gabaretta again.
The years passed. Players came and went but Demanuele seemed to go on forever. Time catches up with everybody, however, and in 1964 it finally caught up with il-Koku.
His skills were still there but he was slowing down. Floriana, much against their will, accepted his request for a transfer. At the start of season 1964-65 he joined Marsa in the Second Division, a decision that nearly caused a riot in Floriana.
It was the end of a legend. After a season with Marsa he retired from the game, leaving behind him the fondest memories and nostalgia for the days when football was still played by demi-gods and artists.