Briton Mick Johnson is Malta’s unofficial brand ambassador as he proudly wears his love of the island on his sleeve – literally. Both of his large, tanned biceps are covered with tattoos of iconic Maltese items and brands, including The Times of Malta and a bottle of the much-loved drink Kinnie spanning from his right shoulder to elbow.

“It all started when I was 11 and I came to Malta with my parents for the first time in 1976,” the 48-year-old told Times of Malta this week.

His visits became more frequent – with at least one trip a year – and so far, he has been 41 times. Mr Johnson passed on his love for the island to his wife Emma, 40, who has made nine visits.

“I got my tattoo of the Kinnie bottle in 2007 because I love the drink,” said Mr Johnson.

After getting inked for the first time, he was hooked: “Tattooing is addictive – once you get one you want to keep getting more. So each time, I would save up and get another.”

England is the place where I work but Malta is my home

Mr Johnson has spent thousands of pounds on his tattoos, which were all done by a British artist who “has learnt a lot about Malta because of me”.

His right arm is dedicated to the Kinnie bottle around which, swirling in the shading, are slices of oranges, a Maltese flag and the drink’s latest logo.

Meanwhile, the upper half of his left bicep is taken up with the Maltese coat of arms, complete with the words Republic of Malta (Repubblika Ta’ Malta) inscribed in a running banner.

Below that is a scene taken from the cover of a Maltese phrase book showing the outline of Mdina behind a Maltese bus, which is parked next to a red post box outside a traditional town house with a classic wooden balcony.

“I told the tattoo artist to include a couple of cats in this picture as we love them,” he said.

His wife quickly agreed, adding: “We have seven cats back home.”

The Johnsons’ love of Malta has even made them put their house in Rochdale, close to Manchester, up for sale as they hope to move here permanently.

“England is the place where I work but Malta is my home. We have friends here and we love it,” Mr Johnson said.

He has covered his left forearm with the logo of the Malta Football Association, three different sized Maltese crosses – one for Malta, Gozo and Comino – and a large George Cross.

Peppered in between are the names of Maltese beers, the new logo of Air Malta, the masthead of Times of Malta and the names of two favourite local snacks – Twistees and the galletti crackers.

Logos of local brands cover Mick Johnson’s arms. Right: This Kinnie bottle started off the obsession. Photos: Paul Spiteri Lucas

“They all mean something to me – I like them all,” he said as Emma smiled. “They are nice but I think he is mad,” she said.

Although he does not know what his next tattoo will be, Mr Johnson said he actually thought of getting a headshot of the singing doctor Gianluca, who shot to fame during Eurovision.

“He is such a nice guy – I met him at a recent music festival and he signed his album. I could do his signature too.”

However, his wife did not seem too pleased with the idea. “No one will know who he is in 10 years,” she said.

Joking aside, the traditional colourful luzzu fishing boat, with the protective eye of Isis, is high on his wish list.