Two promising Maltese players – Luke Montebello, a product of the Birkirkara Youth Nursery, and Fabio Muscat, a product of Valletta, travelled to Italy on Thursday in order to join the Livorno Youth Academy, in the region of Tuscany. Montebello and Muscat are both Under-17 internationals.
Montebello, who started training with the Birkirkara FC YN since the age of five, signed a two-year deal. Apart from having two training sessions daily, he will also be provided with academic education in order for him not to leave his current studies.
Muscat, on the other hand, has been making part of the Valletta FC Football Nursery from the tender age of four.
It was during an international match that the two players attracted the interest of Livorno scouts. Thanks to MFA Chief Executive Officer Bjorn Vassallo, contacts were established with the two Maltese players being offered a trial at A.S. Livorno’ training facilities, where they where involved in two matches with Montebello scoring in both.
From their part, Birkirkara FC and Birkirkara FC Youth Nursery immediately acknowledged that this was a golden opportunity for the young striker and, after the necessary negotiations were carried out, Montebello joined Livorno. Luke Montebello met the Nursery Committee in order to thank the same Committee, all coaches and players with whom he had the pleasure to play at Birkirkara. The Nursery presented him with a memento and wished Montebello the best of luck for his new adventure and in his future career.
The Muscat family thanked Bjorn Vassallo (CEO, MFA), Franz Tabone (MFA), the Valletta FC committee, Valletta FC Nursery committee, the senior technical staff , all the nursery coaches, Mr. Stephen Chircop and Valletta FC President Victor Sciriha for their co-operation and assistance in making Fabio’s dream come true.