Rejoining the club where he won a plethora of honours during a previous six-year spell was a natural choice for Malta defender Steve Borg who yesterday completed his move to Valletta on a five-year deal.
“I’m delighted to have rejoined Valletta,” said Borg whose ‘Back Where I Belong’ message on his Facebook page summed up his feelings at his return to the champions.
“It would have been very difficult for me to turn down Valletta and join another Maltese club because this team is close to my heart.”
Borg had left Valletta last summer to pursue his dream of playing overseas after accepting an offer to sign for Cypriot club Aris Limassol. The 28-year-old had the opportunity to stay in Cyprus but decided to head back home.
“I had an offer from another club in Cyprus but it was not worth it,” Borg said.
“Valletta offered me a contract and, for personal reasons, I felt that it’s best for me to stay in Malta.”
Although Borg spent only one season away from Malta, he believes that the experience has benefited his career.
“It was useful, not in the sense that it helped me to improve my game dramatically but more because of the experience of living the professional life which helped me to mature as a player as well as a person.”
Valletta, who have already begun their pre-season ahead of their Champions League commitments, were not the only club who courted Borg as Birkirkara also made a strong pitch to sign a player widely recognised as one of the best Maltese defenders.
Hibs also made enquiries about the possibility of acquiring Borg but his heart was set on a return to Valletta where he will be renewing his partnership with captain Jonathan Caruana who is also one of his best friends.
“Without doubt, my aim is to win titles with Valletta,” Borg said.
“Every season, Valletta are up there, challenging for the honours, and, over the next five years, I’m determined to emulate and possibly exceed the success I enjoyed with the club during my previous spell.”
Miller back at Hibs
Mark Miller yesterday began his third spell in charge of Hibernians.
A spokesman for the Premier League club has told Times of Malta that Miller has been appointed technical director but it is unclear whether Hibernians are still looking to install a first-team coach.
Miller, who took a one-year sabbatical after a short spell with Qormi, will have former Birkirkara assistant coach Josef Mansueto as his right-hand man.