Mifsud, 32, is Malta’s most prominent footballer and the country’s all-time top scorer, twice being crowned Maltese Sports Person of the Year during an international career that spans 13 years and has yielded 37 goals in 99 appearances.
 
With a club career spanning FC Kaiserslautern in the Bundesliga and Coventry City in the English Championship, Mifsud joins the Red and White with a recognised pedigree at club and international level, having last week started in narrow losses against Denmark and Bulgaria.
 
Heart coach John Aloisi said he was excited at Mifsud’s arrival.
 
“Michael has scored goals at whatever level he has played at,” Aloisi said. “He is an exciting footballer and will be a dynamic influence in our attack.
 
“As the captain of Malta, he has played against the very best teams in the world and held his own. It’s not easy to lead the line against the likes of Italy and Croatia, and test those defences, something which he has done regularly.”
 
Described as ‘The Mosquito’ for his diminutive stature and blistering speed, Mifsud’s mobility allows him to play anywhere in attack, although he has carved out his career as a central striker.
 
Famous for scoring a double for Coventry City to knock Manchester United out of the Carling Cup, the Maltese captain helped his national team to the country’s first World Cup qualifying win in 20 years with a goal against Armenia last June.
 
Mifsud will wear the number 11 and is the 23rd player on the club’s Roster.