Former Coventry City striker Michael Mifsud has denied he has signed a deal with a Maltese club and says he is still looking to play abroad.
The diminutive 29 year old Maltese international has been without a permanent club since his departure from Coventry City in the summer of 2010, although he has played for Valletta on a short term contract.
Mifsud told the Times of Malta, "I've had preliminary talks with officials from three (Maltese) Premier League clubs but that is far as it went."
"As I've always said, my objective is to continue my career with a foreign club as I want to play in a professional league. Opportunities are not easy to come by but I'm still optimistic. However, I accept that I can't wait forever and my aim is to resume playing as soon as possible."
Mifsud's contract with Coventry was not renewed after he rejected a new deal. He also rejected deals with Bristol City.
More on the story from our man in Malta:
"I really don't know where these rumours came from," the Malta captain told The Times Of Malta.
"I categorically deny that I've signed for a club here and the situation has become unbearable. I wish I could just ignore all the speculation but I can't accept it when people spread lies about me.
"Unfortunately in this country, people tend to jump to conclusions if they see you talk to individuals who are connected with local clubs. "I like to speak to everyone because I'm a normal, down-to-earth person but it hurts when people make wrong assumptions.
Mifsud has been without a club since his contract at Coventry City expired and he added: "I've had preliminary talks with officials from three Premier League clubs but that is far as it went.
"As I've always said, my objective is to continue my career with a foreign club as I want to play in a professional league.
"Opportunities are not easy to come by but I'm still optimistic. However, I accept that I can't wait forever and my aim is to resume playing as soon as possible."