The Maltese football fraternity rallied around former Malta international striker Stefan Sultana following the loss of his daughter, Greta, on Saturday.
On Saturday, Sultana, Malta’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League, wrote on his social media that he was heartbroken by the loss of his daughter Greta.
“With a broken heart, we would like to let you know that our princess Greta went to a better life,” Sultana wrote.
“She will always remain in our hearts forever. The celebration of her life will be held on Monday, September 29, at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces in Żabbar at 3:00 p.m. We would like a donation to Dar Tal-Providenza to be made instead of flowers.”
After the announcement, the Sultana family was hit with an outpour of solidarity from the Maltese football family.
Stefan Sultana’s brother, Konrad Sultana, who like his brother is a former forward for Ħamrun Spartans and Hibernians, wrote an emotional tribute to his niece.
“Sweet Greta, you touched our hearts in a way words can never describe,” Konrad Sultana wrote.
“Despite every challenge, your courage and strength inspired us all. Your parents and sister gave you endless love and made countless sacrifices to give you the happiest life possible – and you gave them the most beautiful gift in return: You. Fly high, Princess. You will always be with us, forever loved and never forgotten.”
All Premier League clubs and the Malta Football Association sent their condolences to the Sultana family on the huge loss.
Ħamrun Spartans were among the first to send a message of courage to Stefan Sultana, a coach in the club’s academy, and his family.
“The president and Administration of Ħamrun Spartans Football Club are saddened by the passing of Greta Sultana, daughter of former Ħamrun Spartans player and Academy coach Stefan Sultana,” the statement said.
“All our thoughts are with the Sultana family in this difficult time.”
Hibernians FC also issued a message of support for their former player.
“On behalf of everyone at Hibernians FC, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Stefan Sultana and his family, on the tragic loss of their beloved daughter,” the Premier League club said.
“There are no words that can truly ease the pain of such a profound loss. We stand with you in this time of sorrow. May you find strength in the love that surrounds you and comfort in the cherished memories you hold.
“Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Paul Zammit, the coach of Sliema Wanderers and a colleague of Stefan Sultana at the National Sports School, expressed solidarity with him and his family.
“Dear Stefan, We can understand the hurt and sense of loss that you and your family are feeling at the moment,” Zammit wrote.
“However, it is certain that we will continue to remember the beautiful life that you and your family have given to Greta.
“The Lord has offered you a princess, whom you have taken well care of, given her everything she needed, and she gave you back a lot of joy and peace in your heart.
“Today, after she spent a marvellous life with you, Greta is in a better place, because the Lord wanted her with Him so that she will be one of his angels, as he knows that she lived a happy life.
“Be strong Stefan, although not physically, Greta will continue to live with you in her spirit every day, happy with the life you have offered her and the eternal piece near the Lord.”
