Michael Mifsud has confirmed that he is open to remain involved with the Malta national team once he decides to hang up his boots.
The Malta striker took part in an in-depth interview on the first episode of Sports Talk, a new production of the Times of Malta Sports Desk, during which he spoke about several highlights of his international career with the national team.
The 39-year-old striker bid farewell to the national team earlier this month when he collected his 143rd and final cap with the Malta colours in a 3-1 win over Liechtenstein at the National Stadium.
In the build-up to that match, former Malta coaches Dusan Fitzel and Ray Farrugia had called on Mifsud to remain involved in the national team set-up as they believed that he had so much experience to offer to upcoming young talent.
Asked whether he would be ready to take a role in the national team set-up, currently headed by national teams head coach Devis Mangia, Mifsud said: “It would be nice if I was given the opportunity to continue to give my contribution to the national team once I retire. The national team has always been close to my heart and I love to be around the players, and I would be honoured if I had to be offered a role, so why not.”
During the interview, Mifsud spoke about the various highs and lows of his time with the national team, and he mentioned the 1-0 win over Armenia in a World Cup qualifier in Yerevan in 2013, which saw him score the winner, as one of the highlights of his career.
The Sirens striker heaped praise on the work currently being made by Mangia and said that it’s nice to see the national team adopting a more attacking approach against fellow small countries.
“It’s exciting to see the national team playing attacking football,” Mifsud said.
“What impressed me most was the character shown by the players in the 3-1 win over Andorra when the team was behind but managed to turn the match in their favour and that shows the grit and determination of the players.”
During the interview also had a message to pass to those young players who aspire to emulate his successful career.
“My message for them is to never stop believing, work hard and be ready to make sacrifices as without sacrifices you cannot achieve anything.
“I believe that it is important that they make a decision on whether they want a football career or else have other things to focus on as that makes a huge difference. And it’s important for them to understand that they are capable of being as good as any other player irrespective of their age and size.
“I’m sure that like I managed to succeed in my career they too can excel.”
