Ħamrun Spartans defender Marcelina applies for Maltese passport

Brazilian defender Emerson Marcelina has applied for a Maltese passport, the Times of Malta can confirm.

The 33-year-old defender has been playing in Maltese football for almost ten years and has settled in our country with his family.

It was the player’s wish to apply for a Maltese passport and was fully supported by his club Ħamrun Spartans.

Marcelina has been working on his application for a number of months and on Monday morning he finally submitted the requested paperwork so that the experienced defender will officially become a Maltese citizen.

Marcelina has established himself as one of the most talented defenders in the Maltese Premier League and should his application be successful it would be a great shot in the arm of the Spartans who will be able to field another overseas player in his starting XI.

Added to that, Marcelina will also become available to represent Malta at the international level and join a list of players who were awarded a passport during their time in the Premier League.

Late last year, Gżira defender Gabriel Mentz was awarded a Maltese passport and as of this month, he is eligible to play for the Maroons as a Maltese player while also forming part of the national team in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Mentz is the second Gżira player to hold a Maltese passport as fellow defender Enrico Pepe also became a Maltese citizen a couple of years back.