Humble, Hard Working and Hungry! Those are the values and beliefs that guide former Maltese international footballer Andre Schembri. In this Q&A, he tells omgfoodmalta about his deepest regret in football, his love of food, and his guilty food pleasure!
Andre is one of the very few Maltese footballers who made a career abroad, playing for a host of European clubs, ultimately ending his 18 year career in the Indian Super League in 2020. Andre Schembri also represented the Maltese national football team for 12 years, serving as captain 16 times.
Andre is now Under 15 coach with Greek club Apollon Limassol FC, where he played between 2017-19.
Andre Schembri
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Humble, Hard Work and Hungry are the values and beliefs that guide my relationships, interactions and decision making within my life. My main passion is Football and I am on the verge of launching a project to help football players fulfill their potential.
You represented Malta for 12 years, also captaining the Maltese national team. How did that feel?
I felt proud and honoured to represent and captained my country for more than 90 games. However, my deepest regret is that I could never perform at my best whilst playing with the national team because of the amateurish environment within the association and consequently within the team.
You have played for many clubs in your career? Is there any particular club that has stayed close to your heart?
Honestly, every club has a place close to my heart. I had good and bad memories with each club and the moments I experienced shaped me to be the person I am today.
Carmel Busuttil, Michael Mifsud, Andre Schembri. It seems very few Maltese players make it abroad. What do you think is the reason for this?
Unfortunately the Maltese sporting environment has a scarce of resources which consequently will not fulfill the potential of Maltese players to be good enough to make it abroad.
Would you describe yourself as a foodie?
Of course, I am Maltese 
What is your favourite dish?
Linguine con Vongole.
Are you a good cook? Do you have a signature dish?
No, I am not and to be honest I hate cooking However, I enjoy preparing different types of Salads.
What is your guilty food pleasure?
Pizza.
Do you enjoy eating out?
Yes a lot. I make it a point to dine out minimum once per week.
What do you look for when choosing a restaurant to dine out at?
Good food and a good environment.
Is there any international cuisine you are fond of?
Yes, Italian Cuisine.
What, in your opinion, is the sexiest food?
Sushi
What was the strangest food you have ever tried? and did you enjoy it?
Indian Food. Not so much.
Are there any foods that bring back special memories to you?
Yes, Timpana. It reminds me of my grandmother who used to cook it especially for me every time I visit her.
What is the one type of food you could not live without?
Pasta.
Do you believe that ‘we are what we eat’?
Yes, of course ! Treat your body like a temple! If you take good care of it, your body can take you wherever you want to go.
If you could choose any person to have dinner with, who would it be?
My wife.
What advice do you have for aspiring football players?
Dream big and do whatever it takes to achieve that dream.
Do you have a life motto?
Yes, Challenging the Status Quo!
What is your final message to our readers?
Success depends on you getting out of your comfort zone!
Q&A With Tez
