Arsenal’s Malta Connection: How Gooners in the Mediterranean Celebrate the Title

In the heart of Malta’s capital, Valletta, a cheer erupts from a packed bar. It’s not the usual jubilation you’d expect from a Mediterranean island. Instead, it’s the sound of Arsenal fans celebrating their team’s Premier League victory, thousands of miles away in England. The Gunners have just secured their first title in 19 years, and Malta’s Gooners are in full voice.

From Highbury to The Three Cities

Malta’s Arsenal fanbase is a testament to the global reach of the Premier League. While the island nation has its own football culture, with teams like Valletta FC and Birkirkara, many Maltese support English clubs. Arsenal, with their history of attacking football and diverse squad, has a significant following here.

You’ll find Gooners gathered in bars across the island, from the bustling streets of Valletta to the quieter, historic Three Cities. On matchdays, these bars transform into mini-Arsenal stadiums, filled with red and white, echoing with chants of “One nil, one nil, one nil…”

Malta’s Own Arsenal Story

Malta’s connection to Arsenal runs deeper than just fandom. The island has produced its fair share of Arsenal players. Most notably, Carmel Busuttil, who joined Arsenal as a teenager in the 1990s. Although injuries cut his career short, he remains a beloved figure among Maltese Gooners.

Today, Maltese youngsters still dream of making it big in the Premier League. They watch Arsenal’s academy graduates like Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, hoping to emulate their journey. The Malta Football Association even has a partnership with Arsenal, providing opportunities for local talent.

Celebrating in Style: A Malta Arsenal Fan’s Perspective

I spoke to Mark, a long-time Arsenal fan from Msida, a town just outside Valletta. He’s been supporting the Gunners since the late ’80s, through thick and thin. “I remember the Invincibles, the Wenger years, the highs and lows,” he says, “But this feels different. It’s been so long, and we’ve had so many near misses. This one’s special.”

Mark plans to celebrate with fellow Gooners at a local bar, where they’ll watch the title celebrations on repeat. “We might not be in London, but we’re just as passionate. It’s not just about the win, it’s about the community, the shared joy,” he says.

As we wrap up, Mark looks ahead to next season. “We’ve waited 19 years for this. Now, we want more. We want to build on this, to make it a habit. That’s the dream.”