Denni could not have chosen a better moment to serve up a reminder of his match-winning qualities.

Restored to Valletta’s starting XI on Saturday after his befuddling omission from the squad for the previous three games, the nimble forward immediately left his imprint on the match, scoring a brace in the opening 29 minutes to lay the platform for a convincing 5-0 victory over Mosta.

His future with the club may still be up in the air but his two-goal contribution last weekend will have lifted his morale as well as that of the Valletta faithful.

With Denni back in the team and back to his best, the City fans believe that their title prospects are a lot brighter.

“Of course, I was really happy to score two goals after being left out of the squad for the previous three games,” Denni told Times of Malta.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect to score, I didn’t even expect to be there but when your chance comes, you have to be ready.”

The arrival of five foreigners in the January transfer window has inevitably heightened the competition for places at Valletta and Dutch coach Andre Paus has been rotating most of the foreigners since taking charge of the team .

Nevertheless, Denni’s absence from the squad left many bewildered as the Brazilian is widely regarded as one of the most skilful and deadly players in the top flight.

Denni made no attempt to conceal his disappointment at his exclusion from the squad but insisted that he never gave up hope of returning to the side.

“It was a bad experience for me,” Denni said.

“I didn’t know the reason why it was happening but then these things do happen in football. I continued to train well, like I always do, and wait for my opportunity to come. I had to move on.”

I continued to train well, like I always do, and wait for my opportunity to come. I had to move on

By way of demonstrating his affection and appreciation to the City fans, Denni celebrated his goals in Saturday’s victory over Mosta at the Hibs Stadium by kissing the Valletta crest.

“When I chose to join Valletta from Tarxien Rainbows four years ago, I had many opportunities to go to other clubs but I came here because of the fans,” Denni said.

“The people of Valletta make me feel loved and valued like a great player. Even before the game on Saturday, they were singing my name and that filled me with motivation.

“When I scored, I kissed the badge to show the fans that the goals were dedicated to them. The players deserve happiness when they work hard and give their all but the same goes for the supporters.

“This is why I’m determined to do all I can to help Valletta win the league.

“A big club like Valletta can’t go two seasons without winning the championship.”

At one stage last month, Denni looked set to leave Valletta after Malaysian club Sime Darby FC reportedly lodged a bid for the Brazilian livewire.

Denni was also granted leave to travel to Malaysia for further discussions but the transfer broke down.

Some blamed contractual issues for Denni’s absence from the squad but he refused to be drawn on the subject.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Denni said.

“I know what happened and Valletta know as well but I don’t want to discuss these things.

“This is an issue that makes me feel sad and I don’t want to get disappointed. I’m focusing on the present.”

Despite missing three league games in the past few weeks, Denni is still Valletta’s leading marksman with 17 league goals, three adrift of Hibs forward Luis Edison ‘Tarabai’ who heads the scorers’ list.

While admitting that he had entertained hopes of winning the top scorer’s award this season, Denni said that is no longer the case.

“I’m not thinking about finishing as top scorer but there was a time when it was on my mind,” Denni said.

“But I missed a few games and that killed my hopes, even though I’m usually not a regular scorer.

“As I said, it’s not one of my aims any more. My first priority now is to keep my place in the team.”

Birkirkara and Valletta are heading towards a final-day title decider on April 26 as, with only two games left, only two points separate the leading duo in what is turning out to be a compelling race.

Although Valletta are trailing their rivals, Denni has no doubt that the Whites have what it takes to overhaul the champions.

Denni said: “We have a very good squad with many players who can make a difference.

“I’m very motivated and confident as I feel that we have a big chance to win the league.  We’ve got the experience to do it.”

Uncertain future

Denni, 31, is in the final weeks of his four-year contract with Valletta.

Although he is resigned to leave at the end of this season in light of recent events, he reiterated his willingness to help the team become champions again.

“It’s five months since we last spoke about the contract,” Denni said.

“What happened in the last month maybe shows that Valletta have other plans for next season but I am a professional and I know that this is part of a footballer’s life.

“We’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, I will continue to give my all to be useful to the team.

“My target is to win the league. If I have to leave Valletta at the end of the season, I want to leave with a trophy.”

Whatever the future holds for Denni, Valletta will always be close to his heart.

“In the last four years, Valletta have shown me respect and gave me the chance to play for them,” Denni said.

“I have a feeling for this club and for the fans and that will not change, even if I have to move after this season.

“The past four years have been amazing. When I joined Valletta from Tarxien, some had doubts about my ability to play for a big club but I believe that I have proved myself and I hope to keep doing the same in the future.”