Scores of Valletta fans turned up to greet Michael Mifsud this evening as the Malta striker was officially unveiled as City's latest signing at a news conference held at the Premier League club's premises.
Mifsud, who has signed a three-month deal with the Citizens, identified Valletta's history, their large following and the team's quest for honours as the main reasons behind his decision to join them.
"Valletta are a club with a glorious history," Mifsud said. "They also have the strongest squad and my ambition is to win honours with this team this season."
Victor Sciriha, the Valletta president, admitted that interest in Mifsud from his club's Premier League rivals strengthened his determination to snap up the striker.
"Michael was in Sliema's Executive Box at the National Stadium on Saturday," Sciriha said. "Sliema, Birkirkara and Hibs were keen to sign Mifsud. I called him on Saturday and we agreed to meet the following day. It soon became clear to me that Michael Mifsud was really interested in joining Valletta and it didn't take us long to agree terms."
Sciriha described Mifsud's signing as the icing on the cake after Valletta recruited a host of top Maltese players this season.
"I have signed Michael Mifsud for our fans because they are the heart and soul of our club," Sciriha said to a rousing applause from the supporters.
"I don't think I can do more than I've already done to boost the potential of our team and to improve our chances of achieving success this season."
Mifsud, 28, was in a position to sign for a new team outside the transfer windows as he had been without a club since his deal with Coventry City expired at the end of last season.
As his move to Valletta requires the approval of the MFA Executive Committee, Mifsud is unlikely to be eligible to make his debut for his new team in Saturday's Championship Pool match.
Ton Caanen, the Valletta coach, welcomed Mifsud's arrival. "The signing of Michael Mifsud is good for Valletta FC and for Maltese football in general," Caanen said. "His arrival makes our squad stronger. I look forward to working with him and I'm pleased to have three quality forwards in my squad."
Mifsud will wear the no.9 shirt with Valletta.