Ħamrun Spartans have officially announced that forward Luke Montebello is no longer part of the club after both parties reached a mutual agreement to part ways with immediate effect.
In a statement, the Maltese champions said, “The club announces that Luke Montebello is no longer a player of Ħamrun Spartans. Both parties have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect. We extend our gratitude to Luke for his contribution during his time with the club and wish him all the best in his football career.”
While the club did not provide any details on the reason behind this decision, local media reports suggest that disciplinary measures were involved. According to reports, Montebello was involved in a physical altercation with two supporters following Ħamrun Spartans’ 1-0 defeat to Sliema Wanderers last week. Given the situation, both the player and the club’s management agreed that it was best to terminate the contract immediately.
A Successful Stint with Ħamrun Spartans
Montebello joined Ħamrun Spartans in the summer of 2022 from Birkirkara. His time with the club was marked by significant achievements, including winning two Maltese Premier League titles. His best season came in 2023/24, where he played a crucial role in helping the Spartans secure their tenth league title. Montebello’s exceptional performance saw him finish as the league’s top scorer with 21 goals, earning him the prestigious MFA Player of the Year award for the first time in his career.
Following his outstanding performances last season, Ħamrun Spartans, led by President Joseph Portelli, offered Montebello a one-year contract extension, which would have kept him at the club until the end of the current season. However, the team has struggled to replicate last year’s success, and Montebello’s own performances have seen a decline. Despite this, he still managed to score 11 goals in 22 league appearances this season, making him the fourth-highest scorer in the current Maltese Premier League campaign and the top Maltese scorer.
A Legacy at Ħamrun Spartans
During his time with Ħamrun Spartans, Montebello played a total of 90 matches across various competitions, scoring an impressive 42 goals. In January, he reached a major milestone in his career by netting his 100th goal in the Maltese Premier League, cementing his reputation as one of Malta’s top strikers.
