Waterpolo correspondent Alex Vella talks to Michele Stellini after the Neptunes and Malta international player recently announced his retirement from the game.
Very few players can boast of a waterpolo career replete with honours and a remarkable record of winning five Malta champion-ships in a row. In this respect Michele Stellini’s name is etched in letters of gold.
Last year, he reached that pinnacle of league titles when he formed part of the history-making quintet of players who helped Balluta Bay team Neptunes reach the enviable target.
The left-handed player has very recently announced his retirement from the game after a long playing spell which started in the club’s most junior ranks and lasted 22 years, 17 of which in the senior team, winning no fewer than 27 honours.
His exclusive love affair with Neptunes seems to be out of fashion nowadays when players change allegiance mostly for pecuniary reasons, apart from other motives which are induced by fresh challenges under new club colours.
But not for 32-year-old Stellini who remained a one-club man throughout his career. He just would not leave a club which wallowed in success in recent years.
The decision to quit came as a surprise when considering that he was still one of the most valid players for Neptunes and Malta. Force of circumstances was the main reason for his decision.
“The thought of retiring came about a few months ago,” he said.
“I realised that my priorities changed and I felt I had to dedicate more time to what is most dear to me.
“After last year’s record-breaking season I found I had to dig deep and motivate myself after all Neptunes had achieved in these past 10 years.
“Like all athletes I had my ups and downs. The first years weren’t exactly what I was hoping for. We were rebuilding and so didn’t enjoy much success. That affected my motivation.
“The high points were the last ten years when we won seven leagues in nine years, the last five being consecutive. That was my most memorable moment which gave me a great sense of satisfaction.”
Reflecting on his contribution to the team he humbly thinks that the part he played was valid.
“Our will to win was the reason for our string of successes,” Stellini reckoned.
“The four Maltese players in the team that won those five National League titles in succession were all club products and that added to our pride.”
Looking to the future, Stellini said he first plans to have a rest and enjoy some relaxing time with his wife and daughter. He did not exclude that he might return to the sport as a coach.
He ended by thanking his father, Alex, a former Neptunes player, for constantly encouraging him, his mother for expertly seeing to his diet, his Neptunes team colleagues, committee members and supporters as well as the “ASA that has further put waterpolo on the map and made the sport more popular.”