‘Malta vs Azerbaijan on the 25th of March 2022, will be Andrei Agius’ last match with the Malta National Team,’ announced Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo during a press conference held on Monday at the Centenary Hall after the Malta captain announced his retirement from country commitments.
At the press conference, besides Agius’ retirement from national team football after 16 years of service, details were also given on the next two friendly matches that the Malta National team will play in the March international window.
Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo had words of praise and described Agius as one of the country’s greatest defenders. He explained that Andrei Agius showed commitment at a very young age and travelled out of the country to start a football dream which ultimately gave him many satisfactory moments both at club level and also when representing the country. The Malta game against Azerbaijan for Andrei Agius will mark 103 matches representing the national team and the Malta FA will honour this achievement in a fitting manner. Malta vs Azerbaijan will be played at the National Stadium on the 25th of March 2022.
Agius recounted his steps as a national team player, first as a youngster eager to prove himself under the tutelage of more experienced players and later as a leader himself as the team transitioned through different eras.
The Malta FA President reiterated that Andrei Agius is a role model for youngsters wanting to pursue the same dream. His career was based on determination and constancy. This kind of resilience and approach merge with the philosophy of the Association to inspire other local talents to confront themselves at higher levels.
The Malta FA Technical Centre has embarked on a long-term development plan to create the right conditions for the development of an elite youth player pathway.
The President exalted Andrei Agius’ future commitments as the player himself explained that as from next year he will be involved in the grassroots development at Hibernians FC and aims at a lifelong involvment in football through coaching.
The Malta National team will also play a second international friendly match against Kuwait on the 29th of March 2022.
Source: MFA
Photo: MFA .Mark Zammit Cordina
