For Palestinian footballer Mohammed Saleh, arrival in Malta represents not only a chance to prove himself in a sport, but a new challenge away from a conflict that has defined his country and dogged him through his career.
Mr Saleh, 25, was unveiled on Monday as a Floriana FC player at the Palestinian embassy in Swieqi, the first footballer from his country to play in the Maltese league and the first born in Gaza to figure in any European championship.
The defender, who previously plied his trade with Ahli Al-Khaleel, from Hebron, in the West Bank, and who has five appearances for his national team, has not had an easy route to Malta.
“The Israeli occupation interferes with how Palestinian people play football,” he told Times of Malta through an interpreter.
“They bombard grounds and football clubs. I’ve been stopped from travelling between Gaza and Hebron when I needed to play for the national team.”
Amid this turbulent situation – which also resulted in footballers being denied exit visas – Mr Saleh says football remains so crucial for people in Palestine.
“Despite the occupation and the political situation, Palestinian people love football and are very passionate about it,” he said.
New Floriana FC defender Mohammed Saleh. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina“The teams and the players always get a huge amount of support.”
Asked about the broader political situation, Mr Saleh expresses hope that the Palestinian people will one day “be free to exercise their rights as human beings”.
Though he is quick to acknowledge that football is not a major issue in any discussion, he also suggests that sport, and the shared passion that surrounds it, could play a part in finding solutions.
For the Palestinian community in Malta, his arrival is a significant moment.
Fadi Hanania, acting head of the embassy, said he hoped the transfer signing could lead to others following in Mr Saleh’s footsteps.
He also floated the idea of a twinning agreement between the Maltese and Palestinian national football teams, and to further cooperation on sport, in particular, and other issues.