Malta’s top striker Michael Mifsud yesterday ended all speculation about his movements for the coming season when he signed a four-year deal with local champions Valletta FC.

Mifsud was hoping to get an offer from a foreign club, but did not receive any. It is generally believed that the contract includes an opt-out clause if he gets an offer from a foreign club.

Mifsud had already donned the Valletta jersey during the 2009-10 season helping the team to lift the National League 100th Anniversary Cup and the FA Trophy.

His inclusion in the Valletta squad will give Valletta added strength in the domestic and international fields.

Mifsud is not eligible to play in today’s Champions League match against Tre Fiori, but will be available for the citizens next week, if, as expected, they advance to the second qualifying round.

Mifsud had started his career at Sliema W. in 1997. In 2001, he joined Kaiserslautern of Germany, but was back at Sliema after two years. In 2004, he joined Lillestrom of Norway. He stayed there till 2007. Then he joined Coventry City in the English Championship. After one season, he joined another Championship side, Barnsley, on loan during the January transfer window.

In 2010 he was back in Malta and joined Valletta for the last three months of that season. Last season he played for Qormi after joining them in January.

With the national team, he has made 81 appearances, scoring 26 goals.