Naturalized striker Bienve Marañon bids United City goodbye

Bienve Marañon is set to bring his talents abroad.

United City FC, Marañon's mother club in the Philippines Football League (PFL), announced on Wednesday that it is parting ways with the prized Spanish striker who was granted Filipino citizenship through naturalization.

"UCFC would like to congratulate Bienve on his well-deserved career move & thank him for his services to the Club as a decorated player & co-captain," said UCFC in a Twitter post.

"While it's sad to see him leave at this time, it opens great opportunities for UCFC in preparation for the 2022 season. Good luck!"

In a separate tweet, Marañon expressed gratitude to United City, a team he played for ever since he started his journey in the Philippines back in 2015, and which the 35-year-old booter was able to steer into four championships including the 2020 PFL title while also capturing individual recognitions such as PFL Golden Boot in 2020.

"It’s time to move forward and step up in my career as a professional football player. I will leave the country where I found the happiness and the team United City that made me [a] better player and better person," Marañon said.

Despite this move, Marañon vowed to continue playing for the Philippine Azkals which he suited up for during the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup late last year in Singapore.

"I will keep working to give you back the love, support and help during my time with Azkals," he said.

???? It’s time to move forward and step up in my career as a profesional football player.
I will leave the country where I found the happiness and the team @UnitedCityFC_PH what made me better player and better person. ???????? pic.twitter.com/7tjJeI4HfY

— Bienve Marañon (@Bienvecadiz86) January 5, 2022

— LA, GMA News