Birkirkara FC secretary John Borg yesterday told The Malta Independent that Milan officials are already in Malta planning ahead for next week’s visit of the famous Italian side replete with almost all of its stars.

Borg, on whose initiative Milan are coming for a one-week training camp in Malta, said yesterday the demand for tickets for all the activities being organised, has exceeded all expectations.

He said: “Tickets for the Gala Night and also for the flight to Milan and back (for the Trofeo Berlusconi match against Juventus on 6 January) were sold out soon after they were put on offer.

“As for the friendly match against the Maltese champions on Tuesday 9 January, I can say that most of the Millennium Stand tickets have now been sold while more than half of the Enclosure tickets have also been sold. A good number of seats behind the goalposts have also been already taken.”

Milan will be arriving in Malta on Tuesday evening and will be staying at the Radisson Golden Bay Resort till 10 January.

Souvenir programme

A souvenir programme has been published by the local club on the occasion of Milan’s visit.

The booklet – in full colour – is replete with pictures of the players of Birkirkara FC and their title celebrations last May. There are also pictures of Milan fans at San Siro and pen pictures and profiles of the two teams’ squads.

The match against Hibernians at the old Gzira Stadium in December 1968 is also featured on the programme and some memorable pictures of that occasion are also included.

The programme also includes messages from club chairman Victor Zammit, secretary John Borg and Umberto Gandini, a Milan director sitting with Borg on the UEFA Clubs Forum, among others.