An 'Angel' like no other

Angel Aldeguer Guirado may speak little English but the Spanish-Filipino football player, who is currently playing for the Philippine national football team, considers himself Filipino at heart.

“I consider myself Filipino and I always wanted to come here,” said Angel through his manager Rafael Garcia, who acted as translator.

“My mother is Filipino and I had hopes to play for the Philippine national team,” he added.

And he surely did get his wish now that he’s playing for the celebrated Philippine Azkals.

“Very, very happy,” he said when asked how he feels playing for the Azkals.

Having suffered a recent injury in the past matches, there were concerns if Angel was physically fit to play in the upcoming match against Kuwait, but he assures fans that he is prepared and ready.

“I want to be 100 percent prepared and mentally, I’m focused right now,” Guirado continued.

While he admits the absence of Azkals’ captain Aly Borromeo and teammate Stephan Shrock due to suspensions is a big blow to them, Angel said the team is staying positive.

“They are both important players but it give the other players time to shine,” he said.

As for playing with veteran players, he has nothing but high praises for them. 

“I feel very good (playing with them). We’re one team, we love each other and play well as a team,” the Fil-Spanish footballer added.

And as for the fans, Angel credits them a lot especially when they scream and cheer for the team.

With his passion for football, Angel Guirado has definitely shown that even language barrier does not hinder him for playing for a country that has come to embraced him. Viva Angel!