Spiteri calls time on career
Saturday, March 22, 2003
Article summary
Former Malta international defender Michael Spiteri has decided to retire at the age of 34.
Article body
Former Malta international Michael Spiteri has decided to retire from football after struggling to recover from a cruciate knee ligament injury.
Sideline spell
The 34-year-old Birkirkara FC defender returned to action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines in a scoreless draw against Pietà Hotspurs FC on 2 March and played again in last week’s 3-2 defeat by Sliema Wanderers FC but believes he is no longer physically strong enough for professional football.
Two operations
He has been forced to undergo two operations on his knee in the past 18 months. "I finally made up my mind after the match against Sliema," he explained. "I feel injuries have taken their toll on my career to an extent that I cannot regain full fitness. I’ve resolved to quit the game to make room for the up-and-coming players who deserve their chance."
Hibernian decade
Spiteri began his career with Hibernians FC in the 1988-99 season, spending a decade at the club before joining to Birkirkara in 1999. In total, he made 215 appearances in the Maltese Premier League.
