1982 World Cup winner Francesco (Ciccio) Graziani of Italy spent two days in Malta, attending appointments with various entities to discuss potential football projects, both educational and entertainment related. Graziani was invited to Malta by the M-XXI (Malta 21st Century) Foundation.

The former Italy footballer visited Mdina, where he was greeted by Mayor Peter Sant Manduca, and various attractions in Valletta, including the Upper Barrakka, St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Waterfront. He also visited the Ta’ Qali national stadium, the MFA offices and watched the Valletta vs St Patrick qualifier at the Centenary Stadium.

This was Graziani’s first visit to Malta and he commented that he was impressed at the beauty and culture of the island and warm hospitality of the Maltese. He commented that, although he had heard of Malta, he had no idea of what Malta has to offer, and like him, he added, the rest of Italy. He was sorry not to have had more time to visit the rest of the island.

Graziani plans to return to Malta later this year to host and participate in the first event to be organised, details of which will be given at a later stage.

The M-XXI (Malta 21st Century) Foundation thanked the Malta Tourism Authority, The Palace Hotel, Sliema, the Malta Football Association and Marshalls Car Rentals for their support.