EXCLUSIVE: Franklin Sasere backs Floriana to shine in Europe after league title heartbreak

Franklin Sasere is confident that Floriana will shine in Europe next season
Franklin Sasere is confident that Floriana will shine in Europe next seasonDomenic Aquilina/NurPhoto/Shutte / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia
Nigerian striker Franklin Sasere says Floriana aim to make a strong impression in the Europa Conference League next season.

Despite an impressive 2024-25 season, the Greens fell short of the Maltese Premier League title, losing out to Hamrun Spartans in the play-off.

Victory for Floriana could have secured their 27th league title, allowing them to become the most successful club in Malta's football history.

Nevertheless, they secured a place in Europe next season with a commanding 4-0 victory over Sliema Wanderers, with the former Lugano striker among the scorers. 

"It is hard to put into words the heartbreak we feel after coming so close to winning the league, only to fall short in the play-off," Sasere told Flashscore.com.

"We gave everything on the pitch, fought through every challenge, and stayed united until the very end. I would say losing the league this way is painful but football can be cruel.

"Still, we must look at the positives. Qualifying for next season’s European Conference League is a huge achievement and a chance to represent Floriana on an even bigger stage.

"It's a reward for the work we’ve put in all season and a chance to grow stronger as a team. This is not the end. It’s just another step in our journey.

"We’ll take the lessons from this season and come back even hungrier and we will be hoping to impress in the Conference League when it commences."

SASERE REJECTS CLAIMS OF COMPLACENCY

Sasere, who won the league with Hamrun Spartans, congratulated his former team on their 10th title and thanked Floriana's fans for their support. 

He also downplayed any complacency from his team in the second half of the season, despite many feeling it cost them the chance at glory.

"It’s not fair to say we were too relaxed. We were never carried away and didn’t underestimate any team. Yes, we may have dropped some points, but we were never complacent," he continued.

"We fought hard throughout the season, and while we’re disappointed not to be crowned champions, we have to accept the outcome and we will learn from it. 

"Congratulations to Hamrun Spartans on their achievement. I want to sincerely thank our fans for their unwavering support through the highs and lows. 

"I promise that we’ll come back stronger, more determined, and ready to fight for the title again next season."

Roko Prsa's 63rd-minute strike secured Hamrun Spartans' second title in three years, earning them a 1-0 victory over Birkirkara FC.

 CLUB SUCCESS OVER PERSONAL AMBITIONS

Sasere claims he would prefer to win team trophies with his club over receiving individual honours.

Thanks to his 14 league goals in the outgoing season, which matched his best-ever tally in Europe, the Super Eagles prospect has been nominated for several league accolades. 

However, he values collective success over personal achievements. "I’m always more focused on the team’s result than my individual performance. 

"If I play well and we win, that’s perfect. But if I perform and the team doesn’t get the result, I get disappointed.

"I’m here to contribute and help the club succeed above all else."

The 26-year-old is also not giving up on Floriana’s chances of ending the season with an FA Cup winners' medal.

He stated: "The season isn’t over yet, we still have the Malta FA Cup to fight for. 

"It’s a great opportunity to finish on a high, and hopefully, we can give our fans something to celebrate by bringing that trophy home."

Floriana will face Birkirkara on Wednesday in the FA Cup semifinal, with the winner set to meet either Hamrun Spartans or Hibernians in the final.

Shina Oludare
Shina OludareFlashscore