Ex-footballer Alfred Azzopardi 'fighting for life' after crash that killed wife
Son gives update and pays tribute to mother Mildred Azzopardi
The son of former Malta footballer Alfred Azzopardi says he is fighting for his life after a car crash that killed his wife on Sunday.
Cain Azzopardi paid a heartbreaking tribute to his mother, Mildred, who was crushed to death when a Subaru Imprezza crashed into the parked family car.
The driver of the Subaru Impreza, 23-year-old soldier Benjamin Chetcuti, has been charged with involuntary homicide and drink-driving. He denies all charges.
"You didn't deserve this ma after someone irresponsible took your life, we miss you so much and we keep pushing forward as dad keeps fighting for his life," Cain Azzopardi wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.
"My best friend, we won't be visiting the Pyramids in Egypt together like we always wanted to. But I know you will there with me. I love you ❤️"
Another of the victim's four children, Amy Azzopardi, shared details of her funeral, which will be held at 9.15am on Saturday at the Floriana Saint Publius Church.
She asked mourners not to wear black, but instead dress in colour "preferably turquoise or orange her favourite colours".
The couple had finished a fishing trip at the Valletta waterfront when the crash happened at Ta' Liesse in Valletta.
Mildred Azzopardi, 62, was outside the parked Ford Fiesta while her husband Alfred Azzopardi, 69, was inside.
Alfred Azzopardi is a popular figure in Ħamrun, given his successful career as a football player with Ħamrun Spartans during their golden years in the 1980s.
He played as a defender, spending over 10 years with the Spartans, helping the Reds to Premier League promotion in season 1975-76.
His best years with the Spartans arrived in the 1980s as he helped his club to a league and cup double in season 1982-83 and the FA Trophy the following campaign. In season 1985-86, he helped the Reds to lift the Euro Cup.
During his career, Azzopardi also donned the colours of Hibernians and was selected to represent the Malta national team, where he collected eight international caps.