The death was announced yesterday of Bertie Portelli, a former Neptunes and Malta waterpolo player, aged 76.

Portelli, a strong defender, started his playing career at the young age of 14 years with San Giljan but soon joined Neptunes and remained an active player during the fifties, sixties and seventies.

He was one of the longest-serving players the club has ever had. With Neptunes he won every local honour and in 1970 he was also voted Malta’s Sportsman of the Year.

Portelli even played for the club after his retirement. In 1972, with Neptunes heavily depleted through injuries and suspensions, Bertie was recalled for the last decisive league encounter against Sliema. Neptunes won and managed to carry off that year’s championship.

Portelli also played several times for Malta’s national team.

He is survived by two sons, one of whom Albert, was also a waterpolo player.