Carmel Busuttil, the former Malta skipper, will not be making a comeback to competitive football after all.

Premier League club Pietà Hotspurs, who have very close links with the company operating the Buzu Soccer School, had high hopes of persuading the 38-year-old Busuttil to come out of retirement but yesterday, the former Sliema Wanderers talisman told Edward Schembri, the Pietà president, that he had decided not to resume playing.

"I am not motivated enough to start playing again," Busuttil, capped 114 times by Malta, said when contacted by The Times.

"I have discussed the matter over with Pietà officials and team coach Ray Farrugia. I have to admit that there were times when I was caught between two minds whether to accept or not.

"Deep down, I felt that my desire to play was not the same as it was when I was still at the height of my career. Having said that, I did not reject the comeback idea straightaway. I wanted to reflect long and hard on the proposal, mostly out of my utmost respect for Pietà Hotspurs and my close friend Farrugia."

With the second transfer window opening today, Pietà stepped up their negotiations with Busuttil over his possible return to football.

"Their offer was very good but money is not everything," Busuttil said.

"I have been away from competitive football for nearly two years now and, honestly, I don't miss it. I enjoyed playing football for 20 years but having decided to retire, I don't feel the urge to go back. I'm enjoying coaching young footballers at the Buzu Soccer School and I want to remain fully committed to the school," Busuttil, widely regarded as one of the best football talents ever to emerge from the Maltese islands, said.

Schembri confirmed that his club will not continue with its efforts to persuade Busuttil to come out of retirement.

"We have thoroughly discussed the matter with Busuttil and we respect his decision," Schembri said.

News that Busuttil has decided against a return to the field of play is likely to spur Pietà to intensify their efforts and strengthen their squad. The team is currently sixth in the standings.

The Hotspurs, who meet Mosta in an important clash on Sunday, are now engaged in talks with an Italian striker as they seek to replace Daniel Cummins whose contract has not been extended.

Meanwhile, Pietà are also expected to reject Birkirkara's overtures for former U-21 international midfielder Anthony Galea.