By Adrian Stewart Co

Naturalized player Bienvenido Marañon is making a career move after parting ways with the United City Football Club (UCFC) ahead of the 2022 Philippines Football League season.

The departure of the Cadiz, Spain-native Marañon, who recently made his debut with the Philippine Azkals, was announced by the United City FC on its social media pages on Wednesday night.

“UCFC would like to congratulate Bienve Marañon on his well-deserved career move and thank him for his services to the Club as decorated player and co-captain,” United City FC said.

“While it’s sad to see him leave at this time, it opens great opportunities for UCFC in preparation for the 2022 season. Best of luck, Bienve & stay safe and healthy,” the team added.

The 35-year-old Marañon, who has been with the franchise since 2015, admitted leaving the United City FC for an opportunity to play outside of the country was hard but it is for his personal growth to help the Azkals in the future.

“It’s time to move forward and step up in my career as a professional football player,” he said. “I will leave the country where I found the happiness and the team @unitedcityfootballclub what made me better player and better person.”

“I only can leave Philippines to go to the best club of Asia and I will do it. I will keep working to give you back the love, support and help during my time with @theazkalsph. It’s not a goodbye if not a see you later,” he added.

Marañon had his best years as a football player with the franchise, then known as Ceres-Negros FC. He was part of the squad’s one United Football League and five PFL championships.

Marañon, a 2020 PFL Golden Boot award winner, also became the top scorer of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup while representing the country as a member of the squad.

The United City FC, however, assured that team captain Stephan Schrock will remain with the squad while they were also currently active in negotiating with players from free agency.

“Schrock remains with the team. Captains don’t leave their ship,” the United City FC commented on their Facebook post. “We will also be active in the current transfer window and will announce our squad in due time like we did last year.”/ASC, WDJ