The death was announced on Thursday of former Sliema Wanderers and Malta footballer Simon Tortell, after a long illness, borne with fortitude. He was 52.

During his short football career, between the late seventies and early eighties, Tortell also played five times for Malta, after making his debut against Wales in 1978 and scored one goal.

A lawyer by profession, Simon Tortell also served as chairman of the National Sports Council in the nineties.

Tortell is survived by his wife Silvana and three daughters.