On Wednesday evening coach Gilbert Agius was presented with a memento before leaving the Malta FA building for the very last time at the end of his term as Malta U21 Team Coach.
He delivered his farewell message outlining the fact that his two-year spell at the Association alongside top-quality coaches aided him in further developing his game and also in his application of the unified game philosophy adopted by the Technical Center.
Gilbert spoke highly of all the players he nurtured over his spell entrusted with the Malta U21 Coach, “All the players have cooperated and showed discipline and also respectful towards the lofty demands of playing and representing your country.
A word of gratitude also by Gilbert Agius towards Malta FA President Bjorn Vassallo and the rest of the top administration who he says have backed him throughout after the overwhelming surprise when he got the phone call for being regarded in this high profile role of leading out his country at the U21 level.
The former Valletta icon also underlined his recent brief spell as interim coach of the National Team, conveying his joy of being forged with this highly regarded opportunity where his players responded with spirited performances in the matches against the Republic of Ireland, and the applaudable 2-2 draw against Greece.
“I will cherish this opportunity of coaching abroad (top tier in Indonesia), and also particularly grateful for receiving the full backing of President Bjorn when notified of my decision and pursuit of pastures new”, concluded coach Gilbert Agius.
President Bjorn Vassallo remarked, “Gilbert Agius is an icon for Maltese football, he can commend a remarkable career, indeed he’s contributed brilliantly in all the coaching roles he’s been entrusted with and on behalf of the Association, I would like to thank him for the magnificent job he’s undertaken both with the U21 Team and with the senior side”.
President Vassallo also declared that coach Gilbert deserves all the praise for his dedication and endeavor both as a quality football player and in his role as a coaching mentor fostering prospective football players and helping them follow their dreams.
“Gilbert possesses the highest qualities and standards in terms of dedication and passion for whatever his role in the game is, and the door will remain open once this challenge for him in the Asian federation country is over”, concluded President Vassallo.
For this short but significant ceremony on Wednesday evening, President Bjorn Vassallo was joined by Vice President Dr. Matthew Paris and General Secretary Dr. Angelo Chetcuti, who also both heartily conveyed their gratitude towards Agius for his constant commitment to his duties with the Malta FA and upon launching his coaching career beyond our shores.
