Melbourne Heart FC off-season recruit Michael Mifsud had mixed feelings when he left Australian shores to return to his homeland in Malta this week.
Melbourne Heart FC off-season recruit Michael Mifsud had mixed feelings when he left Australian shores to return to his homeland in Malta this week.
Mifsud, who joined the Red and White last month, will play in two World Cup qualifiers on October 11 and 15 – against formidable opponents Czech Republic and Denmark, respectively, and therefore will miss Melbourne Heart’s Round One blockbuster.
As captain of the Maltese national team, Mifsud is a pivotal member of the squad and in his first match against the Czech Republic Mifsud will earn his 100th cap for his country, further cementing him as a legend of the game in Malta.
“I think it-s an honour playing for your country,” Mifsud told melbourneheartfc.com.au before he left for Malta.
“And for me, playing my 100th game is big. I think I will be presented a memorial trophy before the game… but I still have a game to play so I will need to focus on my performance and on doing the very best.
“I hope we will have a good game and get a good result.”
Mifsud admitted it would be disappointing to miss the Melbourne Derby this weekend but would be keeping a close eye on the result from afar.
“Derbies are the best games to play in,” Mifsud said.
“The ground will be packed and there will be a very nice atmosphere, but I will be following my friends from back home that’s for sure.”
Mifsud said he had been “loving” life with his new Club in Melbourne.
“The players and technical staff made me feel very welcome. It’s like I have been here for a long time and I really would like to thank them,” Mifsud said.
“I really hope we do well and I can’t wait to start.”
