Maltese singing sensation Ira Losco and Sheffield United’s popular Maltese international goalkeeper Justin Haber launched the Blades ‘Football, Fun, Music and Sun’ pre-season tour of Malta by unveiling a giant 26ft by 13ft flag in the bright and colourful streets of Valletta on Saturday.

Throughout the tour, the Blades will be inviting the people of Malta to sign the ‘friendship flag’ that will be taken back to Bramall Lane and proudly displayed at next season’s home games. Over 1,500 locals and visitors to Valletta signed the flag.

The ‘friendship flag’ features a line from the famous ‘Greasy Chip Buttie’ chant, sung by Sheffield United fans at all Blades games. Additional events where the flag will be on parade will include the Blades’ public training session, taking place on the morning of 9 July, and at the Blades pre-season friendly against Premier League club Floriana, on the evening of 10 July. Both events will be staged at the ground of Hibernians FC.

Ira Losco was in Valletta to sign the flag and help promote the Blades Charity evening on Thursday 9 July. The event will be hosted at the Excelsior Yacht Club in aid of the Maltese Inspire Foundation, with tickets priced at only e10 and available from The Grand Hotel Excelsior or via www.jaggedhouse.com. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Justin Haber and rest of the Blades squad, as well as enjoying a live performance from Ira Losco.

Sheffield United Executive Director Mike Farnan said: “Sheffield United is very appreciative of Ira Losco’s support for our charity event, and let’s hope many more people from the island sign the flag. We were really pleased that it was so well received by the public of Valletta.”