MANILA, Philippines - Fil-Spanish striker Angel Guirado said yesterday he’s not renewing his contract with Spanish league Third Division club Ronda, opening the door to set up base in Manila and play in Asia where at least five countries, including the Philippines, are showing interest to sign him up.
Guirado, 26, has played five games so far for the Philippine football team, scoring three goals. The 6-2 forward is unbeaten as an Azkal. He suited up for the Philippines in wins over Bangladesh (3-0) and Sri Lanka (4-0) and draws with Palestine (0-0), Myanmar (1-1) and Sri Lanka (1-1).
Last Sunday, Guirado booted in the Azkals’ third goal over Sri Lanka after outmaneuvering the defense and eluding the goalkeeper in a display of ball wizardry. Teammate Chieffy Caligdong celebrated the marker by simulating a bull with two forefingers pointed up like horns on his temples and dancing around Guirado. At the end of the match, Caligdong rode Guirado’s back to start the victory parade – a display of camaraderie between a homegrown Filipino and one of several Fil-foreigners in coach Michael Weiss’ squad.
Guirado leaves for Spain tomorrow and will be back here Monday with his Spanish girlfriend Rocio. The Azkals are scheduled to leave for Bahrain to open training camp on July 13 and will play Kuwait in a two-game World Cup qualifying series on July 23 in the Kuwaiti suburb of Hawalli and 28 in Manila.
More Philstar
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
If this is a good decision...i don't know. I think even European lower leagues are better in quality, organisation etc. Depends on which Asian clubs are interested in him.....if he will play in the Philippines only he won't be able to improve his skills and strenght (just local player can benefit)....just an advantage for national team availability. nevertheless we have to respect his decision.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely not a good decision for a 26 year old. When - not if - Azkals World Cup qualification ends, earning an adequate income elsewhere for himself and his fiancee could be a serious struggle.
ReplyDeleteAt least 5 Asian countries chasing him? Methinks his agent/cousin has been listening to too much PH kindness.
Which countries are chasing him? I mean nothing against Asian leagues but I can not imagine that leagues in Vietnam, Indonesia or Malaysia could improve his skills as they are even 2nd or 3rd class in Asia......so don't know if this is wise to leave his old club Ronda and re-new his contract or looking if he can maybe promote to a higher level in Spain. Not to speak of a regular income every month for the means of life.....hope we will make a right decision......but in the end it is up to him
ReplyDeleteBetter if he stays in Europe to keep him match fit for quality international matches.
ReplyDelete