Rivera's visit to Malta in 1983

September 1983 is a special month for the Milan supporters in Malta.

Between September 9 and 10, 25 years ago, two influential personalities from the Rossoneri camp in those days - AC Milan president Giusepe Farina and club stalwart Gianni Rivera - were here for the official inauguration of the Milan Club Malta 79.

In Malta, Farina and Rivera were accompanied by G. Tacone, who was the head of the Associazione Italiana Milan Clubs (AIMC).

Since its foundation, the Milan Club Malta 79 committee had always dreamt of their premises being inaugurated by a high personality from San Siro.

The whole story started when Frans Deguara, the vice-president of the supporters club at the time, met Farina in an assembly in Sicily for the southern region Milan supporters clubs.

Deguara invited Farina to visit the islands and the latter promised that on the first occasion available he would come to Malta. Farina kept his promise and landed at Luqa airport on September 9, 1983, in the afternoon.

Two hours later he held a press conference at the Excelsior Hotel and later on in the evening there was the official opening of the club at 85, St Lucy Street, Valletta.

As hundreds of Milan supporters and other guests thronged the place, Farina, Rivera and Taccone unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion. This plaque nowadays is found at the entrance to the new Milan Club Malta 79 premises at Qormi.

Farina was impressed with the warm welcome. The next day, the Milan delegation visited some places of interest in Valletta and also toured the National Stadium at Ta' Qali.

They then left the country on their way to Avellino where Milan were playing a league match.