No Salgaocar regrets – Philippines striker Angel Guirado

Angel Guirado (in green) had a brief stint at Salgaocar last season

The only Indian connection in the Philippines squad is striker Angel Guirado, who had a short spell at Salgaocar last year before being released by the Goan club midway through the campaign. The Spanish-born player though doesn’t have any regrets and still has happy memories of playing in the I-League.

“I had a good stint in Salgaocar. Of course I didn’t spend much time there but I don’t have any regrets because I made good friends there. I even got a call today from my former Salgaocar coach Karim Bencherifa and that was really pleasing” Angel told Sportskeeda after Philippines’ training session in Siliguri on Thursday evening.

The 28-year-old could be facing three of his ex-teammates in the international friendly later today as Salgaocar trio Karanjit Singh, Rocus Lamare and Francis Fernandes are in the India squad. But despite his quick exit from the Goan club, Angel doesn’t feel he has to prove anything in particular to the Indian football fraternity.

“I am here to represent my national team so that’s my only concern now. I want to play well and help my nation win. I don’t want to prove anything else,” said the Malaga youth product, who has now won 30 caps for the Azkals.

Angel currently plies his trade for Global FC in the Philippines’ United Football League but remains open to an I-League return in the future.

“If in the future I get an offer from an I-League club I will surely consider it as I enjoyed being in this country,” he concluded.