Goalkeeper Justin Haber is thrilled to have joined Hibernians but admitted that leaving Birkirkara was probably the toughest decision he has had to make in his entire career.

The 34-year-old yesterday tied up the loose ends of his move to Hibs after the champions agreed terms with Birkirkara over his transfer last weekend. Haber has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal until the end of season 2017-18.

“I’m very happy to have signed for one of the best clubs in Maltese football,” Haber told Times of Malta.

“Hibs have had some great goalkeepers in their illustrious history, people like Freddie Mizzi il-Pampalun, John Bonello and Mario Muscat. For me, it’s an honour to join the list of brilliant goalkeepers who have donned the Hibs shirt but I’m also proud to have played for Birkirkara.

“I will never forget the time I spent with the Stripes.”

His passion for the game and desire to play first-team football were the reasons behind Haber’s decision to seek pastures new.

“I love football and I still have a lot to offer,” the Malta goalkeeper remarked.

“I’m looking forward to this new challenge. I’m joining a very good team because Hibs have got strong local and foreign players.”

Haber’s tone softened when he spoke of his affection for Birkirkara.

“I have a very good relationship with the club,” Haber said.

“I’m grateful to Birkirkara for giving me the go-ahead to sign for Hibs as they could have opted to keep me rather than sanction my transfer to a direct competitor.

“Birkirkara have always held a special place in my heart.

“I remember that, when I first signed for the club in 2003 at a time when Stephen Azzopardi and Victor Zammit were the coach and president respectively, I had a more attractive offer from Sliema Wanderers but I chose Birkirkara because I wanted to play for them.

“I take the opportunity to thank the people of Birkirkara, especially Mario Gatt, known as Wenzina, because he really looked after me.

“But now is not the time to dwell on the past. I’m relishing the challenge of playing for Hibs and looking forward to helping them retain the Premier League title.”

As Haber, who has 54 caps for Malta, steps up his recovery after undergoing surgery to cure a hand injury, he is hoping to make his comeback in the game against Birkirkara on February 14.

“The recovery period from this kind of injury is normally eight weeks and I’m in the seventh week,” Haber said.

“I should resume normal training this week and, ironically, my debut for Hibernians could come against Birkirkara.

“I still need to do some medical tests before getting the all-clear to play.”