The death was announced yesterday of former Malta and Sliema Wanderers player Richard Aquilina, who was 52 years old.

He was the younger brother of current Sliema coach Edward Aquilina. They also played together for Sliema and Malta in some matches.

Richard will be remembered mostly for a goal he scored for the national team in a match against Greece at the old Gzira Stadium. It was a 1974-1976 European Championship qualifier which Malta won 2-0. Richard had opened the scoring for Malta in the first half with a header following a corner-kick action. And Vince ‘Maxi’ Magro added a second on the changeover. That match remains Malta’s only victory in competitive play on home soil. The other – a victory over Iceland – was achieved in Messina, Sicily, as Malta’s Gzira Stadium was suspended by UEFA.

Richard will also be remembered as a great gentleman, on and off the field of play. In fact, I wonder whether he was ever shown a red card or even a yellow card during his career.

Our condolences go to his family.