MANILA, Philippines -- The newest Philippine Azkals team member, Filipino-Spanish Angel Aldeguer, is waiting for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) approval for him to suit up for the Nationals should they barge into the Challenge Cup Group Stage.
But even without the approval, Aldeguer said he feels like an Azkal already.
“Yes I am already an official member of the Azkals,” said the 6’2” Spanish-speaking striker through his cousin Rafael Garcia, who acted as his translator.
Aldeguer already has a Philippine passport and is raring to represent the country in the Challenge Cup Group Stage.
The Azkals will face Myanmar should they get past the Mongolia Blue Wolves in the second leg of the Challenge Cup qualifiers.
“We're just waiting for the go signal of the AFC if he could play against the Myanmar,” said Garcia who is incidentally, a brother of former Rain or Shine head coach, Caloy Garcia.
The Fil-Spanish is planning to take English lessons so he can communicate better with his team, composed mainly of Filipino-British and full-blooded Pinoy players.
The 26-year-old Aldeguer arrived in Manila last Tuesday and has been training with the Azkals since.
“He trained with the team already… He's happy about the team, the team really welcomed him. It's a very competitive play,” said Garcia.
Aldeguer was born in Malaga, southern Spain to a Filipina mother, who hails from Ilagan, Isabela.
He’s been playing football since he was 6. “He was born with a ball on the foot already,” quipped Garcia.
He suited as a forward for Spanish third division Club Deportivo Ronda and also trained with Spain’s first division team.
Aldeguer said he has long dreamed of playing for the National team.
“When the opportunity came along, I took the opportunity… It's an honor to represent the country,” he said.
When asked about his team mates' chances versus Mongolia this coming March 15, Aldeguer said the only thing the Azkals should worry about is the Mongolian weather.
“He's hoping that the team would be able to adjust with the weather. But he has good vibes that the team will win,” said Garcia.
ABS CBN News
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Apparently he has an older brother, also plays football (a defender).
ReplyDeleteHe's white...
ReplyDeleteI have nothing against that.
A Filipino is a Filipino no matter what.
But the fact that he's white will probably lead to more allegations from other ASEAN teams that we're full of naturalised players.
Then let's get black players....
ReplyDeletengek..
ReplyDeleteJonathan De Guzman is still eligible.
ReplyDeletewell, give him the opportunity I say. I just feel the comments, "Its an honor to play for the country" a bit too dramatic. Hard to believe when this is the first time we've heard of you. How much do you really know about the Philippines old boy?
ReplyDeleteYou don't really need to know anything about the country to play for the national team. All you need is to be is eligible and be willing to give 100% for the team. But ya, I kinda agree, "it's an honor to play for the country" is a bit too much since he's already 26 and it is the first time we've heard of him.
ReplyDeleteHe already has his passport. That puts him way ahead of most azkals hopefuls. The fact that you guys have never heard of him before means nothing to me. I don't expect you to have knowledge of every football player with Filipino citizenship. The fact that he is just now showing up in Manila is probably more an indication of dysfunction in the PFF.
ReplyDeleteUnlike the other players who have to be persuaded to work to get their passports, he seems to have worked to get his with his relatives help most probably with the intention of playing for the team. That shows foreknowledge and commitment so maybe his statement might be sincere. Besides coach weiss described him as humble. My guess is he worked his butt of during practice to show what he can do and did not expect special treatment.
ReplyDeleteComon Eagle, the least you can do is to not expect special treatment. Anyway, I dont have anything against the guy. Like I said, he has come half way across the world so lets give him a chance as other people who think they can do a better job didnt even try out and just decide to blast those who made it. I see where the other comments are going. I knew I would strike a few chords. So it doesnt matter you dont know much about the Philippines then and dont speak a word of tagalog? Just as long as you have that passport. Everything is nice and spoofy. Well, i'll leave it like that and you decide for yourselves, you guys are big enough. I am reacting to the whole being proud to play for our country bit. Its just hard to believe it when you cant even say it in tagalog or any other local dialect for that matter. Thats just my opinion. Dont go overboard old boy. Less talk , less mistakes, as one old filipino said.
ReplyDelete