Michael Galea

Michael Galea (born 1 February 1979 in Malta) is a retired Maltese footballer who started playing for Maltese First Division side Melita and spent most of his career with Birkirkara, where he played as a striker.

Playing career

Galea started his career with Melita, before being transferred to Birkirkara FC during the 1997–1998 aged 18. He scored 14 goals in the 1997–1998 season. During its debut in the UEFA Competitions, Birkirkara was eliminated by the Slovakia side, FC Spartak Trnava 5–1, in which Galea scored Birkirkara's only goal.

During the 1998–1999 season Galea scored nine goals. In 1999-2000 he scored 14 goals which contributed to the 'Stripes' winning its first Premier League, on the 50th anniversary of the club.

In 2000-2001 Galea scored 21 goals for Birkirkara. In 2001–20 he scored 15 goals and the team won the Rothmans Trophy.

In 2005 the team won the Rothmans Trophy, beating Msida Saint-Joseph 2-1 in the final, Galea's scoring both goals.

In 2005–2006, Birkirkara won the Premier League title, with Galea as captain finishing the season as the club's best scorer with 18 goals.

In 2006–2007, Galea suffered an injury which kept him away from playing for almost a year.

In 2007-2008 Galea scored six goals and was the match-winner in the U*BET FA Trophy against Hamrun. He scored two goals when the team beat the 'Spartans' 2–1.

In 2008-2009 Galea scored seven goals for Birkirkara, which qualified to the 1st round of the Europa League.

In the following season, Birkirkara won its third Premier League title. Galea finished the season as the second best club scorer with 14 goals. Galea's contract expired at the end of the 2010–2011 season and he announced his retirement on 19 June.

International career

Malta Galea made five appearances for the senior Malta national football team, with his debut coming in a friendly against Andorra on 8 February 2000.

League career statistics Season Team Matches Goals 1997–1998 Birkirkara 25 14 1998–1999 Birkirkara 25 9 1999–2000 Birkirkara 28 14 2000–2001 Birkirkara 26 21 2001–2002 Birkirkara 26 15 2002–2003 Birkirkara 27 18 2003–2004 Birkirkara 22 14 2004–2005 Birkirkara 21 14 2005–2006 Birkirkara 26 19 2006–2007 Birkirkara 15 6 2007–2008 Birkirkara 19 6 2008–2009 Birkirkara 26 7 2009–2010 Birkirkara 28 14 2010–2011 Birkirkara 20 6 2011–2012 Melita 0 0