Sciriha lands his man as striker Mifsud rejoins Valletta

Michael Mifsud has finally allayed the uncertainty about his future by agreeing a long-term contract with Valletta FC yesterday.

As the Maltese champions were putting the finishing touches on their preparations for today’s Champions League encounter with San Marino’s Tre Fiori, club president Victor Sciriha showed that he already had one eye on the next round by intensifying his pursuit of Mifsud.

Having identified the striker as Valletta’s priority target some time ago, Sciriha had long been engaged in discussions with the Malta captain who yesterday agreed terms over a four-year deal with the Citizens.

“Victor Sciriha and I sat down and talked things over like two friends,” Mifsud said.

“I have agreed to sign a four-year contract with Valletta. As I said some weeks ago, they were the only Maltese club who officially approached me about joining them.”

Despite Sciriha’s long-standing interest in Mifsud, it looked as though the Citizens had put the bid on the back-burner after Mifsud reiterated his desire to join a foreign club.

With the start of the season fast approaching and, enticed by the prospect of leading Valletta’s attack in their probable meeting with Lithuania’s Ekranas in the second qualifying round of the Champions League, Mifsud made up his mind to rejoin the Whites whom he helped to win the National League 100 Anniversary Cup and the FA Trophy in a previous short spell with them in the second half of season 2009-10.

Although Mifsud has agreed a four-year deal, he has a clause inserted in his contract allowing him to leave as a free agent if he receives a concrete offer from a foreign club.

Sciriha’s financial clout meant that Valletta were always regarded as favourites to land Mifsud who had words of praise for the club and its passionate supporters.

“I’m happy to be rejoining Valletta,” Mifsud said.

“I enjoyed success during the short time I spent with the club in season 2009-10.

“As everyone knows, I played for another Maltese club (Qormi) in the second half of last season but the Valletta fans continued to show me respect. They didn’t jeer or insult me at the stadium and I appreciate that.

“Valletta have the strongest squad and with them, I feel I have a better chance of winning honours.

“The indications are that Valletta will play in the second qualifying round of the Champions League and that gives me added motivation because I like to be involved in European football.”

Mifsud said his friend Jeffrey Farrugia had played a key role in his discussions with Valletta.

“I want to publicly thank Jeffrey for his support,” Mifsud said.

“He was very helpful during my discussions with Valletta.”

At a news conference on Friday, Sciriha had flagged his intent to step up his chase for Mifsud by declaring that Valletta were in talks with a Maltese player who would give the team an extra dimension.

“I’m pleased that Michael has decided to play for us,” Sciriha said.

“He is a top-class striker and his arrival is in keeping with our long-stated policy of signing the best Maltese players.

“I also believe that this new acquisition will improve our chances of advancing beyond the second qualifying round of the Champions League.”