Club Statement - Luke Montebello

by Ayrton Galea - 11th January 2019

Birkirkara FC is delighted to confirm that Youth Academy product, Luke Montebello will be remaining with the club for the rest of the 2018-2019 season and he will be taking the number ‘9' shirt.

Montebello started football with Birkirkara FC, before moving to Livorno at the age of seventeen. Following his return in Malta, he played for Valletta FC, Zebbug Rangers FC, Tarxien Rainbows FC and Pembroke Athleta FC, before returning to his childhood club in June 2017.

He will be making his return to professional football after he completed his one-year ban from UEFA. He was found guilty of failing to “not immediately and voluntarily informing UEFA if approached in connection with activities aimed at influencing in an unlawful or undue manner the course and/or result of a match or competition” in relation to the Under-21's National Team match between Malta and Montenegro played on 23 March 2016.

Montebello spoke to the club's website before his first competitive match on his return. “I'm very happy that the club believed in me after an absence of one year from competitive football. The last year has finally passed as it was a dreadful experience. However, now I'm very excited to be back again.”

His return will be a special one as the club has handed him the number nine shirt, which has a special feeling for the towering forward. He explained his decision on accepting this number. “I know and I'm aware that the number 9 means a lot for our supporters.”

“I know the significance of this shirt because I grew up watching my idol, Michael Galea leaving his heart on the pitch for this club week in week out. I know that wearing the number nine shirt will put a certain weight on my shoulders, but I'm ready to give it all to come back stronger than ever for my childhood club.”

Montebello signed off this interview with a thankful message. “I would like to thank my family and my girlfriend that supported me throughout this bad time. I would also like to thank the club of Birkirkara FC and its passionate supporters for their constant support. I'm ready to let out all my frustration of the last year as from this Sunday!

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