League title has special significance for Agius

Winning a league championship is a special moment for all footballers notwithstanding previous achievements in a career. Such honour is the culmination of long hours of sheer hard work at the training pitch and consistent performances on the field of play.

For Gilbert Agius, Valletta's 2007-08 league title is not his first taste of glory. In fact, since he made his first appearance for Valletta, way back in 1990, Agius has now collected six championship medals, won the FA Trophy six times and lifted the Super Cup on five other occasions in a glittering career unmatched in local football.

Still, the three times MFA Footballer of the Year ranks this championship as one of the most memorable moments in his annals as it was the first for him as Valletta captain.

"This championship holds special significance for me," Agius told The Times yesterday.

"I have been donning the Valletta shirt for 18 years now and won several domestic honours but this is the first time that I have led the team to a league title as captain.

"At the start of the season I had the opportunity to continue my career abroad when I was offered a contract by a Swedish club. The only reason I rejected their approach was because I wanted to help the team halt a seven-year trophy drought and win a competition as club captain.

"I'm delighted to have reached this objective. No doubt, this success fills me with more determination to win as many honours as possible till I decide to stop playing."

At the start of the season, Valletta were seen by many among the favourites in the Premier League after newly-elected club president Victor Sciriha and his committee had bolstered the squad with some quality signings.

According to Agius, however, winning the Premier League was not among the club's main objectives this season. Valletta were embarking on a three-year programme, he said, aimed to build a valid squad, strong enough to mature in three years' time.

"It's not correct to say that it was in our plans to win the league," Agius opined.

"When Victor Sciriha took office his objective was to start a rebuilding process.

"Having acquired nine new players at the start of the season it was only natural for the team to take a few extra weeks to gel. However, deep down we still believed that we could go places despite some criticism levelled at us.

"The players took this as an incentive though to prove the critics wrong. I guess, this success was a perfect response to those who doubted our qualities."

Asked to pinpoint the key factor behind the team this season, Agius had little doubts in his mind.

"There's unity in our squad," he replied. "Right from the start, the coach insisted that we have to get along together as a formidable unit. There were various occasions this season when we fought as a team to emerge from difficult situations.

"Sunday's match against Floriana was a shining example.

"Frank Temile was red-carded in the first half when we were leading 1-0. The prospects did not look bright. This was a derby and no side was giving away an extra inch. However, we held tight all the way. In the end we also added another goal to finish 2-0 winners. It was tension at its best but the fans must have loved it."

That second goal on Sunday was one of the highlights of City's win over Floriana.

No surprise, but the 'killer goal' came from the feet of the adroit Agius. The popular no.7 picked up the ball from almost mid-pitch and surprised the Floriana keeper with an exquisite lob to the delight of the delirious fans. It was only Agius's third league goal of the season but given the occasion and the opposition it was massive in importance.

"It's always a great feeling for me to find the net and coming against our derby rivals the goal was even more special," Agius commented.

"Unfortunately, this season I did not score too many goals but that of Sunday ranks among the best in my career. The fans were behind us throughout the season so I dedicate Sunday's goal to them. It was my way of saying thank you for their support."

Double prospect

Valletta are on course to complete a memorable double as they are through to the semi-finals of the FA Trophy. Agius is not looking too much ahead and refused to set any objectives but promised that they will do their best to add the FA Trophy to their list this season.

"With the league title in the bag it would be extra special to win the FA Trophy as well," Agius said.

"However, we are not putting any pressure on ourselves. We know we have enough talent in the squad to go all the way in the competition and, rest assured, we will give more than our 100 per cent.

"So far I consider the season to be a great success for the club. There's great potential in the squad but with ample space to improve... indeed we can embark on another successful era for Valletta FC."