Brincat signs three-year deal with Sliema

Joe Brincat yesterday completed his much-publicised move to Sliema when he put pen to paper on a three-year deal. His defection from Birkirkara had been in the air for the past few days after it was revealed that the 32-year-old international midfielder was engaged in negotiations with the Blues and had turned down an offer to renew his contract with the Stripes.

The Wanderers, runners-up in the 2001/02 Premier League, made Brincat their no.1 transfer target as they seek to reinforce their squad in their bid to win the championship.

"I am delighted to have secured a contract with Sliema. Leaving Birkirkara was a very hard decision. In my four-and-half-year spell with them, I reached my targets of winning the major honours in domestic football and I think the fans appreciate my commitment to the club. But the time was right to seek a new challenge.

"In making this decision I have also considered what's best for my future," Brincat told The Times.

Last season, Sliema were the early favourites to win the championship after a busy transfer campaign only to falter when it mattered most. Their failure to end a six-year wait for the title, won by Hibs, caused a stir in their camp.

Expectations will be running high again next season, especially now that the Blues have added two experienced members to their roster... coach Edward Aquilina, formerly of Valletta, and Brincat, one of the most talented footballers in the Premier League.

"My aim is to help Sliema win honours. I am aware that I will have a very important role to play in the team and I hope to find co-operation from my new team-mates to achieve the success that this club craves," Brincat said.

Barring any complications, Brincat will be 35 when his contract with Sliema runs out. Asked if Sliema would be his last stop after spells with Hamrun Spartans, Floriana and Birkirkara, Brincat said: "I hope Sliema would be my last club but in football you never know what's in store," he said.