Mathieu Valbuena, 41, to sign for Maltese second-tier side Santa Lucia | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Mathieu Valbuena, 41, is to sign for Maltese second-tier club Santa Lucia. The deal is for one season with an extra year tied to his number of appearances. He won 52 caps for France, scoring 8 goals.

He travelled to Malta by private jet on Sunday to finalise the move, on salary and terms notable for his age and the level.

A free agent after a year with Olympiakos' reserves in the Greek second division, where he made 11 appearances with 3 goals and 4 assists, the attacking midfielder had not expected such an offer. He had considered retiring in Athens, where he opened an academy two years ago.

Santa Lucia, from the south of the island, are targeting promotion back to the top flight after dropping out in June 2024. The town has around 3,000 residents.

In summer 2024 he said age was just a number for him, that the enjoyment, fitness and mentality remained, and that he still felt the pre-match adrenaline. He added he would stop only when he no longer contributed on the pitch.

Locals in Malta believe the Bruges-born playmaker still has plenty left to offer.

Source: L'Équipe