The Malta Independent on Sunday
Gareth Sciberras calls it a day with Malta’s red jersey
Football - World Cup 2018 Qualifier
Domenic Aquilina Malta midfielder Gareth Sciberras announced his official retirement from international football during Malta’s press conference yesterday ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2018 European Qualifying match against Slovakia to be played this evening at the National Stadium, kick-off time: 20:45.
“After thinking hard and discussing this with my family I have decided to retire from national team duty at the end of the season in May. Therefore this evening’s game against Slovakia will be my last with the Malta national jersey. My club Birkirkara have been informed accordingly and they have understood accepted my decision. Here I would like to thank everyone concerned that I have come across during these last seventeen years - coaches, players, officials, staff, journalists and many more. Of course I would like to thank my family and friends for their continous support in the good and bad, and in particular my wife Daniela who has been my rock. It has been a nice journey but I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life and to dedicate more time with my family.” stated a clearly emotional Sciberras during the Malta press conference.
Gareth also spoke with the Malta Independent Sports Team about Malta’s match this evening against Slovakia “Obviously everyone knows what Slovakia can offer. Just like any other match we will play to our strength and we hope for a positive performance. In reality our performances have been good. We are very united inside this group but the problem at this high level of the game is that you cannot commit the least of mistakes. If you do you will be penalised. And that is what has been happening so far”
Dubbed a real gentleman on and off the pitch, the soft spoken Birkirkara captain will don the Malta jersey for the 50th time this evening against Slovakia.