Agius flying the flag for Malta
Saturday, January 12, 2002
Article summary
The phenomenal goalscoring exploits of Gilbert Agius have made the forward a hero in Malta.
Article body
The phenomenal goalscoring exploits of Gilbert Agius helped Maltese Premier League side Valletta FC to no fewer than six domestic honours during the 2000/01 season. Agius, who bagged 54 goals in 69 games for Valletta, was promptly voted Malta Football Association Player of the Year for the second time in 2000/01, pipping Sliema Wanderers FC hitman Michael Mifsud to the award.
Foreign transfers
Mifsud was duly snapped up by German 1.Bundesliga side FC Kaiserslauten and his compatriot, Agius, moved abroad on a year’s loan - to Serie C1 side SC Pisa in time for the start of the Italian season.
Jewel in the crown
It was a fitting end to a highly satisfying season for Agius, the jewel in Valletta’s crown. His departure to Italian football created mixed reactions among the Valletta fans, but in a recent interview the 27-year-old striker, who is struggling to pin down a regular first-team place with Pisa, confirmed that if things do not work out well this term, he will definitely rejoin his beloved Valletta.
String of honours
Judging by the string of honours he has won wearing the white jersey of Valletta in the past decade, Agius has more than justified his reputation as one of the greatest players in the history of the club.
Golden mantle
At international level many believe that Agius could well inherit the golden mantle of Maltese soccer legend Carmel Busuttil, who retired last season, but others maintain his true potential with the Malta national side is still to be fulfilled. But his five-star performance in a 3-2 defeat in a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic proved to one and all that Agius can perform at the top level.
Earlier award
Agius was first voted the MFA’s top footballer in 1996/97 – a season when Valletta, then under the guidance of Edward Aquilina, won five trophies. Success like this was commonplace for Agius, a Valletta player since his childhood days. He made his debut for the national team in a friendly international against Gabon in November 1993 and has now racked up 66 international caps, scoring five goals in the process.
