Ardiles to revisit Malta with eye on new initiatives

Encouraged by the high level of interest Osvaldo Ardiles's first visit to Malta engendered in August last year, the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Club (THSC) have teamed up with a host of partners to entice the Argentine football legend to our islands for a second time.

"The aim is that Ardiles's second visit to Malta serves as a launchpad for bigger events in the future," Mark Mizzi, a THSC official, told a news conference yesterday.

"We are keen to build strong ties between Ardiles and the Maltese islands."

The highlight of Ardiles's visit will be a social gathering at the Grand Hotel Excelsior next Friday. Starting at 7.30 p.m., the activity will kick off with a short one-to-one interview with Ardiles who will then mingle with the guests.

"Ardiles is a man for the people," Mizzi said. "Those attending Friday's event will also have the opportunity to get his autograph."

Mizzi revealed that talks with Ardiles about other ventures are underway.

"We have already spoken to him about the possibility of bringing a team of ex-football greats to play a charity match or tournament here," Mizzi revealed.

"Ardiles has many contacts in international football and he is already working on this idea."

Norbert Griscti, the general manager of the Grand Hotel Excelsior, expressed his satisfaction that the hotel has carved its own niche in football tourism.

"This is a 'football' hotel," Griscti remarked.

"We have a permanent sponsorship agreement with the national team who use our hotel as their base before international home games.

"A few weeks ago, we hosted English Premier League club Birmingham City, UEFA president Michel Platini and the other members of the Executive Committee were our guests last week and over the past few days, we had some of Europe's top referees staying here as well.

"The visit of Ardiles will evoke many memories for football followers, especially those who remember him as a player."

Giselle Camilleri, Events Manager at Marsovin, one of the main sponsors of Ardiles's visit, said: "Marsovin's backing for cultural events is well documented but this is the first time that the company is supporting a sporting initiative.

"We recognise the importance and value of sport in society and we are interested in extending our support for similar events in the future."

Ardiles is best remembered for his successful four-year spell with Tottenham Hotspur whom he joined after helping Argentina win the World Cup in 1978.

His visit to Malta is supported by MTA - Island of Gozo, Air Malta, Grand Hotel Excelsior, Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, Sullivan Maritime, Marsovin, China Town and Waterline Restaurant.