Birkirkara defender Spiteri confirms retirement decision

Michael Spiteri's cameo appearance in Birkirkara's 1-0 defeat to Marsaxlokk on March 7 was his last as the 34-year-old international defender has decided to retire from football with immediate effect.

After The Times yesterday reported that Spiteri was contemplating retirement, the former Hibernians skipper confirmed that he has decided to call it a day.

"I have been pondering retirement for quite some time," Spiteri told The Times. "I finally made up my mind to call it quits after last week's match between Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers, which the latter won 3-2.

"I felt that I cannot contribute to the Birkirkara team as much as the players who took part in that exciting match did. Injuries have taken their toll on my career to an extent that I know that I cannot regain my full fitness. In view of this, I have resolved to quit football to make room for the up-and-coming players who certainly deserve their chance," Spiteri added.

Spiteri, widely acclaimed as one of the strongest players to grace the local game in the last two decades, has been hampered by injuries in the last 18 months. After recovering from a cruciate operation, the Malta defender underwent two further operations on his knee cartilages which delayed his comeback to competitive football.

"Looking back on these last few years, the only remorse I have is to have been unable to figure as prominently for Birkirkara as I had wished. I was determined to help the club reach its objectives this season after I completed my rehabilitation from that cruciate operation but it was not to be. I wished to end my career on a better note but life is not always a bed of roses," Spiteri said.

"Birkirkara showed me great respect, especially when I was battling to come back from injuries and I take this opportunity to thank their committee, coach Stephen Azzopardi and fans for their support."

A player of Spiteri's calibre certainly deserves a fitting goodbye by his fellow peers and football enthusiasts but the Birkirkara defender insists he is not too keen on emotional farewells.

"As far as I'm concerned, I have already closed my football career because I am not the type of person who seeks the spotlight. I like to go about my business without frills and that is the way I want to finish my career," Spiteri said.