Born and raised in NSW’s Illawarra region, Baldacchino came through the Wollongong Wolves system. An Australian representative at both Under-17 and Under-20 level, the defender signed for Western Sydney Wanders as a teenager in 2012.

“I was at Western Sydney for two and a half years – travelling from Wollongong each day for training,” Baldacchino told FourFourTwo.

“I enjoyed my time, being apart of when the club was first established, and was nice to be apart of all the big days leading up to the first game for the club."

But at 18 he was let go by the Wanderers.

“It was disappointing, especially at 18 years old,” he admits.

“The club means a lot to me, still does. But I couldn’t hide into a hole and throw the game away. Football is tough sometimes but it shows your true character and how much you want something. How you react to what happened.

“I used it to stimulate myself and I wanted to achieve better. I took the feedback on board and I tried to work on them to be better in the future.”

Baldacchino spent two seasons with the Wolves in the NSW NPL. However, in June he took a chance and headed to Europe, moving to the Maltese Premier League to join Floriana FC.

In six months the 21-year-old has made 12 appearances, including in the Europa League qualifying rounds.

“Floriana have been great to me on and off the pitch, its like a big family here and I am honestly so thankful for everyone at Floriana for the opportunity and also how everyone has made the move easier to adapt,” he said.

“I have met friends at this football club, which I could call family and will value for the rest of my life.”

Baldacchino has found the Maltese top flight very tactical compared to his experiences in Australia.

“It’s a different style of play, which I wanted a change, and I wanted to learn different aspects of the game,” he said.

“Having Giovanni Tedesco, who has had an amazing football and coaching career in Italy, I have learnt not only about the Maltese league but I have learnt so much more about different situations on the pitch and how I should resolve it the best way.

“He for me has made me become a smarter and better footballer, but also has taught me a lot about myself off the pitch to become a better man, which I will be forever grateful for.”

Earlier this year the left back played in two Europa League qualifiers against Red Star Belgrade.

“It was a treasurable moment for me in my career, making my debut for Floriana FC against Red Star Belgrade, in Serbia in front of almost 20,000 people,” he recounts.

“It was a night I will never forget. But also the second leg when they came and visited us in Malta, to get a result 3-3 against such a big team, and who just recently drew with Arsenal.

“I must admit it actually was a very confident feeling, one we kept at Floriana and took into the season.”

Baldacchino has been capped for Malta at Under-21 level this year, adding to his past appearances for the Joeys and Young Socceroos, and is hopeful of earning selection in the future for the Maltese senior side.

“I have had a lot of memories with Australia, the country where I was born,” he said.

“Australia is always going to be a massive part of my life. But it also good to give something back to my family, who all grew up in Malta. I know they are all proud of me that I am giving something to them and learning about the culture.”

The defender has had some contact with Tom Saintfiet, who was appointed head coach of the Maltese national team in October.

“He has attended Floriana training sessions and he is always analysing the games and keeping an eye out of each and every player that is eligible to play for the national team,” Baldacchino said.

Off-contract next season, the 21-year-old wants to help Floriana win the league title. Currently the club is in fourth position on the table, only four points behind leaders Balzan.

But Baldacchino admits he has unfinished business in the A-League.

“I will do anything in my power and get back in the A-League,” he said.

“Being away, I have worked a lot on my game, and like I said earlier the people I have around me at the moment are working on me each day to improve. I will be ready for an opportunity in the A-League, which I will take and value with both hands.”