Top UFL striker Sanchez studying options
The United Football League’s most lethal striker last season is keeping his options open as far as a return stint in the country is concerned.
Despite representing UFL side Global FC in the recent Singapore Cup, Spanish striker Rufo Sanchez was non-committal when asked where he will play next season.
“I’m not sure where I will play next season,” said Sanchez after Global’s victory Saturday night in the Singapore Cup quarterfinals at Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
Sanchez said he is also open to the possibility of playing in Spain again, although he disclosed that there are still offers from a number of UFL clubs.
“I will study my options; it will not just be my decision,” said the striker from Madrid. “But the Philippines has a special place in my heart and I’m really grateful for the opportunity to play there.”
Sanchez stood at the forefront of Stallion’s run to a rare UFL double, scoring in the UFL Cup final and finishing as top scorer of the league last June. He remains under contract with Stallion.
Aside from the Golden Boot award, Sanchez, who was recruited from CF Madrid by Stallion coach Ernie Nierras, also captured the Golden Ball as the league’s most outstanding player with 18 goals.
His exploits with Stallion convinced Global owner Dan Palami to acquire him on loan for a month to bolster the 2012 UFL champions’ attack in the Singapore Cup quarterfinals, where Sanchez scored two goals in a 5-4 aggregate win over DPMM Brunei.
Global—making its first appearance in the Singapore Cup—faces Loyola Meralco conqueror, Tanjong Pagar, in the semifinals tentatively set in October.
Palami is still hoping to strengthen his Azkals-flavored side, bracing for a tough battle against one of the best teams in the S-League.
