Bulgarian striker Valeri Boijinov of Italian club Fiorentina was yesterday morning presented with a Pieta Hotspurs jersey by club president Edward Schembri.

The event was held at the Pieta club where the Fiorentina striker had started his football career in 1999, at the age of 13. In fact, the jersey carries the number 99 on its back.

Boijinov’s stay in Malta had lasted only three months as his talents were immediately noted and left to play in Italy for Lecce. Now he is on the books of Fiorentina.

The 19-year-old said it was a huge satisfaction for him to be here, though he will be playing against Malta. “I have already played against Malta in Bulgaria, but playing here, is different. It will be emotional, though I feel honoured to be back here where I launched my career,” he said.

The Bulgarian striker added that Fiorentina were a great team and said they expected to do well this year, hopefully finishing among the top clubs to play European football next season. “To do that, however, we have to keep our feet to the ground and work hard. We have an exceptional coach in Prandelli. If we follow his instructions, I am sure we will go places this season. We cannot compare ourselves to the big three – Juventus, Milan and Inter. They are obviously stronger. But it would always be nice to beat them,” he said.

Boijinov also said that it was a disappointment for Bulgaria not having reached next year’s World Cup finals. “We could not expect to be there without defeating Croatia or Sweden, the other two contenders,” he added.

At the end, he thanked Pieta president Edward Schembri and coach Georgi Deanov, as well as Italian agent Alfred San Filippo. “It is thanks to them that I am in Italy now. I also wish good luck to Pieta Hotspurs and their youngsters who are taken care of quite well,” he said.

Also present for the news conference were Viola Club president Emmanuel Micallef and Sig. Alfredo San Filippo, who also commented briefly on Boijinov’s visit to one of his former clubs.