Goalkeeper Bartolo leaves Ħamrun Spartans amid Bonello speculation

Manwel Bartolo announced that he has left Malta champions Ħamrun Spartan as speculation is rife that he is set to be replaced by Henry Bonello.

Bartolo has been on the books of Ħamrun Spartans for the past three years and last season he skippered the team to the Premier League title.

However, on Saturday, Bartolo announced that he has left the Spartans in a facebook post which hinted at his displeasure towards some decisions set to be taken by the club’s top hierarchy.

“Ok… being a captain, winning the BOV premier league and named as 1 of the best goalkeepers in malta it’s not enough for hamrun spartans president,” Bartolo wrote in a facebook post.

“I can officially say that im not part of Hamrun Spartans Football Club anymore.

“Thanks for these past 3 years, it was an honor playing for this club and having you as my supporters, you showed respect and for this i will keep you all in my heart, thanks to the coaches that worked with me and the committee that always did their best with me.”

Speculation has been rife in the past few days that the Spartans were tempted to move for goalkeeper Bonello who has fallen out of favour at Valletta FC.

The Citizens have signed Italian goalkeeper Alessandro Guarnone and handed a new three-year contract to Yenz Cini, leaving Bonello in danger of losing his no.1 status with the Citizens.

Bartolo’s departure might signal that a deal between the Spartans and Valletta FC over Bonello’s signature could be rubberstamped in the coming days.