Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/825117
21 Sport FOOTBALL maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 17 MAY 2017 Former Malta captain Ronnie Cocks passes away THE Malta Football Asso- ciation is saddened by the news of the death of former Malta captain Ronnie Cocks who passed away earlier to- day, aged 73. Born on August 1, 1943, Cocks is regarded as a true stalwart of Maltese football and a Sliema Wanderers icon after helping the club win several honours during his long stint with the Blues. Cocks showed his poten- tial from a very young age as he made his senior debut for Gżira United in season 1956/57 when he was still in his early teens. After joining Sliema Wan- derers in season 1962/63, Cocks, who played in at- tack, went on to establish himself as a key player for the club, winning several honours, including five na- tional championships be- tween 1964 and 1972, and five FA Trophy medals. He played 25 games for Sliema in UEFA competitions, scor- ing four goals. At international level, Cocks made his debut for Malta in the home friendly match against Libya (1-0) at Manoel Island on February 13, 1966. He made a total of 21 appearances for the national team, scoring one goal. Cocks captained Malta on 13 occasions, including the famous game against Eng- land at Wembley Stadium in 1971. Winner of the MFA Foot- baller of the Year award in season 1965/66, Cocks also had a short spell with NASL club Pittsburgh Phantoms in 1967 and also turned out for Ħamrun Spartans and Pietà Hotspurs. Cocks also coached several clubs, including Pietà Hot- spurs, Gżira United, Mo- sta, Marsa, Msida St Joseph, St George's and Pembroke Athleta. The Malta FA sends its profound condolences to the family of Ronnie Cocks dur- ing this difficult time. John Terry could retire this summer JOHN Terry says he could retire when his Chelsea career comes to an end this summer. Terry made his 716th Chelsea appearance and likely his penul- timate one at Stamford Bridge, scoring his 67th goal as the Pre- mier League champions beat Watford 4-3 on Monday night. The 36-year-old defender will leave Chelsea this summer af- ter 22 years and will also be ex- pected to play on Sunday against Sunderland when he will lift a fifth championship title and 15th major honour. A 16th will be sought in the May 27 FA Cup final with Ar- senal, when Antonio Conte will bid to end his first season as head coach with the double. Former England captain Terry is likely to receive numerous of- fers to play on, but he is contem- plating quitting altogether when he leaves the club where he has spent his entire career. "I've still not ruled out Sunday being my last game and retiring from football," Terry told Sky Sports 1. "I never wanted to be that player that was kind of hang- ing about, stopping the younger players from coming through. "It depends, if the right of- fer comes along I will sit down and consider it with my family - whether that's here, abroad, or wherever that may be. "Genuinely I haven't made any decisions of yet and I'm evalu- ating all my options at the mo- ment." Conte thinks Terry should not retire and instead stick by his de- cision to continue playing regu- larly elsewhere, which was his motivation for departing Chel- sea. Asked if Terry should retire, Conte said: "No. Absolutely (not)."Otherwise he stays here. John wants to continue to play. I wish for him and his family the best. Chelsea will be always his home. "When you arrive at this mo- ment and your heart, your head and your body tell you continue to play, because you want to play, it's right. "The Premier League trophy will be presented following Chel- sea's final match of the season at home to Sunderland on Sunday. Conte added: "This is the right final for John." Terry is taking his coaching badges and Chelsea could have a vacancy when assistant boss Ste- ve Holland leaves to join England full-time this summer. Conte said his "door is open" for Holland to stay, but the for- mer Italy boss understands the lure of the national team. Terry was named to start in the league for the first time since September 11 against Swansea and began a first game since the February 18 FA Cup win at Wolves. There was an element of good fortune about his goal as Wil- lian's corner was headed by Kurt Zouma on to Terry's back. The ball dropped kindly for Terry in the area, he struck it with his shin and it went in off the post. Two minutes later Terry gifted Watford a rare away goal scored by Etienne Capoue, while he was also culpable in Stefano Okaka's strike which made it 3-3 before Cesc Fabregas' 88th-minute win- ner.Cesar Azpilicueta and Michy Batshuayi, who scored the title- clinching goal at West Brom, were also on target for Chelsea, while Daryl Janmaat netted a su- perb strike for the visitors. "It's funny to watch a game and to see both teams score four and three goals," Conte said."When you've won the league you can allow this situation." He laughed off striker Diego Costa being in the media room at half-time, where the unused substitute ate an orange. Conte said: "I'm very angry with him, because he must think to share." Win against Sunderland and Chelsea will become the first club to record 30 victories in a 38-game season and Conte could revert to his first-choice line-up after making nine chang- es against Watford. Conte added: "We won our 29th game in this league. It's a great achievement."We have the possibility to win 30 games and we have to try to reach this target now. "You can write some records. It's important for the history." Conte wore a crown for a lap of honour which followed fire- works and streamers. He added: "This season, every single player must be a king for the supporters." Sebastian Prodl was sent-off for a second bookable offence in the second minute of stoppage time as Watford finished the contest with 10 men in a bad tempered conclusion. There were a couple of scuffles and arguments between players, including suggestions of a disa- greement between Okaka and Troy Deeney. Watford boss Walter Mazzarri said: "Tomorrow I will investi- gate but I don't think it was any- thing. "I'm proud of my squad, proud of my team. I'm still evaluating the team for next season. There were some positives."