Tribute to Michael Galea

by Ayrton Galea - 26th June 2011

After Michael Galea's decision to stop playing for Birkirkara FC we spoke to some of his ex-team mates about Michael and asked them to share their views.

Andrei Agius: "What to say about Michael? I got to know him last January but I always knew how important he was for Birkirkara, but playing with him helped me see that although he won a lot of honors with the Club his hunger for success was still there. For me he was one of my best captains. I like people like Michael because he doesn't talk much but he acts. He was there for the team when we were in difficulties and I'm sure that Birkirkara will miss him a lot. Personally I wish him all the best for his future I'm sure he will take good care of his family and him self. Last but not least I tell him that was pleasure playing with him."

Andreas Galea: "For me he was exemplary for everyone and he was a leader inside and outside the pitch."

Emiliano Lattes: "All I can say is that what he did through all these years for Birkirkara was awesome and not easy. There's no doubt that he's a great player."

Keith Fenech: "Michael is a quiet person in the dressing room, and you learn a lot from him as he helps you a lot both in training and in the games It's a pity that we saw him only on a very few occasions with the National team. For me, he was one of the best finishers and I think we will miss him a lot especially when in front of the posts because he was a very direct forward."

Luke Stivala: "Michael Galea was an example for everyone! I had the opportunity to celebrate the winning of our 2nd league! It was a pleasure and my very satisfaction to play with a player like Michael Galea. He was always talking to us and gives us guidelines so that we perform better. I was very young and i needed a man like Michael to guide me in my career but unfortunately I had a very bad injury and I had to stop playing for two years. But from here I want to thank him for everything he has done with our Club! And for our crazy night at Havana with the t-shirt and shorts of Birkirkara!!! Hehe"

Manuel Bartolo: "Michael is a player that with his words only teaches you a lot. He stays calm in every situation even when everything is going wrong, however that's the right reaction because that's the only way you change the result in your favour. He will be missed so much, because he has won many honours but he is a very honest guy and this is why I consider him as a very professional player. Finally, I would like to thank him for the year that I spent with him in the team, because I believe I learned a lot from finding a player like him to help me about every single thing."

Nikola Vukanac: "For me he was a great person, a leader and true professional with the right attitude. I'm not going to say anything about his football qualities beacause the number of goals he scored, and games he played, talk for themselves. I think if you have more players like him in Malta you would have much more success in every area. I remember once before a game when I scored my first goal for Birkirkara he came to me and told me that I will score on that day. After six months he did same thing and I scored again, this time against MSK Zilina, hehe, so that was an interesting thing. I hope he will stay in football because young players can learn a lot from him. Also he learned some Serbian words and he was using them in training and games, and few times he helped me to react faster."

Omar Borg: "For me he was the best Maltese player that I had the fortune to play with. He set a good example for everyone. He was always calm and intelligent in everything he says and does. He was truly the best captain I ever had. The best player inside the box in this last decade, in my opinion. Always consistent and always decisive in the matches that really mattered. He was always a shoulder to lean on for me personally, especially when I was going through a difficult moment. I wish him all the success in his career and especially in his family life, becase he is a person that treasueres values and principles. Thanks "Capitano" and my friend for the beautiful moments and adventures we went through together. Unforgettable memories. We had managed to form a wonderful group the year we won the league, and that was our secret weapon. Michael you had a lot to do with that, because we repected and helped each other. A real player and a real captain. I wish you all the best Michael. Now it's time for you to enjoy a glass of beer and hobz biz-zejt. I hope I will join you soon! haha. "

Patrick Borg: "Michael was the perfect gentleman inside and outside of the pitch.. He is a family person and a player that everyone respects his presence. His presence on the pitch effected all the players. He's a gentleman, a loyal person and a great player."

Paul Fenech: "Michael is a respected person on the pitch and off the pitch. As a player he is the perfect striker to play with. His movements are always precise. Michael will surely be missed. "

Ryan Camenzuli: "Michael was always a player ready to help. I learned a lot from him. We'll miss him for sure."

Ryan Scicluna: "For me, Michael Galea is an idol for all the honours that he managed to win. In the year that I trained with him regularly, he thought me a lot and for this I have to thank him. It will be a big loss for Birkirkara because he is still a very good player but we have to respect his decision."

Shaun Bajada: "Michael is an exemplary person and he is the best striker ever that I had played with. He's a shy person outside the pitch, but once he enters the pitch he changes completely. He is the person that when things are going wrong, he will be there with few words, but with direct ones. You will never hear him praising himself, but constantly encourages his team mates. He's a captain that every team wishes to have."

Thomas Paris: "Michael Galea was a top player, a true captain and Birkirkara's legend. Forming part of Birkirkara's squad since 2005, I was lucky enough to be Michael Galea's team mate for a good number of seasons. I believe that the best moments I've shared with Michael are all, in some way or another, related to acquisition of an honour like trophy winners in 2005 (vs. Msida) and 2008 (vs. Hamrun), and Premier League winners in 2010. Throughout the years I've learnt a lot from Michael, both as a player but also character wise. Michael, or as his team mates know him "Il-Luc", is a true gentleman both on and off the pitch. It's a pity to see Birkirkara's best goal scorer hanging his boots so early in his career. Having said that, we all have to understand and respect his decision. I take this opportunity to thank Michael for all the support he has given me throughout my football career, and wish him good luck in his personal life."

Trevor Cilia: "You can describe Michael in three words: serious, gentle and professional. He's ready to help everyone. We will miss him for sure."

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