Mark, a member of the MFPA Executive, speaks about his childhood memories in football, the ups and downs of his career, and his long-standing involvement in the MFPA in the 2nd interview of the Meet Our Team series.

When did you start playing football and what are your childhood footballing memories?

- From a young age, my father used to take me with him to watch Valletta Football Club matches at Ta’ Qali since he was born in the capital city and is also an avid fan.

When I was eight, I joined the Valletta FC nursery and my love for the game increased as time went by. I used to live in Fgura with my parents, so I remember taking the bus every Saturday and Sunday to go to Valletta to play football.

What are the highlights of your playing career?

- The highlights of my career are the first goal I scored with Valletta against Birkirkara in the Premier League and also coming close to winning the championship with Marsaxlokk back in 2007/08. There is also the promotion to the Premier League with Vittoriosa Stars back in 2012/13 which is also a nice memory in my playing career.

Like any other player, you have endured some difficult moments during your career. What were the biggest challenges you faced as a player?

- The biggest challenges I faced were unfortunately the numerous injuries I had. Going through rehabilitation and recovery sessions on your own is never easy and sometimes it affected me psychologically as well.

When did you join the MFPA and what motivated you to become part of this association?

- I remember Carlo (Mamo) forming the association back in 2011 and he approached me a couple of years later to officially join the MFPA. Seeing the lack of protection and several injustices players faced motivated me to become part of something that fights for players’ rights.

What, in your opinion, have been the MFPA’s best achievements in the last 11 years?

- Without doubt the biggest victory of the association was the abolishment of the transfer fee at the end of the contract (the parameters system). Hundreds of players suffered from this transfer fee and unfortunately many players stopped playing the game they love due to the fees requested by clubs even though they were out of contract.

Your message to young football players…

- Football gives satisfaction at all levels of the game. One must make the most of the time he/she has playing football since a player’s career is very short. Sacrifice and hard work are important requisities to try and become the best player possible. With the right attitude and frame of mind, a player can make it to the top with the guidance of experienced people around him/her.

Describe the MFPA in one word…

- Dedication

Age: 36
Place Of Birth: Pieta - Malta
Clubs you have played for: Valletta FC, Marsaxlokk FC, Hamrun Spartans, Vittoriosa Stars, Qormi FC, Qrendi FC
Favourite club (Foreign): AC Milan
Favourite player (current): Kevin De Bruyne
Favourite coach (current): Pep Guardiola
Best player you have played with: Gilbert Agius
Best player you have played against: Jordi Cruyff
Favourite food: Pasta
Favourite bands: Coldplay / Linkin Park