The Malta Football Association is saddened by the news that Edward Aquilina has passed away at the age of 75.
Aquilina played for Malta at international level and then pursued his career as coach with successful spells with Valletta and Sliema Wanderers. Between 1966 and 1976 he appeared 12 times for the Malta national team, scoring once, the winner in a Friendly match against Libya (1-0) at Manoel Island on his debut. Aquilina started his senior career in season 1960/61 with Melita FC in the 3rd Division. The next season he played for Sliema Wanderers where he spent in total 15 seasons in two different spells. He was also known for his time in the Northern American Soccer League with Pittsburgh Phantoms in 1967. Upon his return to Malta, he joined Hibernians where he played for three seasons. He hung up his boots in 1979 after a total of 278 senior domestic career appearances, in which he scored 39 goals. He also appeared in 22 European Cup games, scoring 3 goals. After his active football career he took up coaching, initially with Sliema Wanderers in the Premier Division, followed by Qormi, Senglea Athletic and Marsa in the 1st Division. He enjoyed great success with Valletta between 1994 and 1998. In 2002 he returned with Sliema Wanderers where he stayed up to 2006 with lots of silverware under his belt. He coached in a total of 243 games in the Premier Division. The Association expresses its deepest condolences to Edward’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.