ARWIND Santos admitted initial plans were for him to play again for San Miguel even for just a while before his jersey was officially retired by the fabled PBA franchise.
Unfortunately, it was easier said than done.
The 42-year-old Santos said since his signing rights remain with Northport, some matters can be ‘complicated’ if ever he transfers to San Miguel again.
“Kaya lang kumplikado, matatagalan kasi siya. Kailangan pa ng kontrata, ng trade, yung mga ganun. Kasi yung rights ko yata nasa Northport pa,” he disclosed Wednesday when the San Miguel franchise formally retired his jersey no. 29.
“Willing sila (San Miguel) dapat na paglaruin pa. Dapat nga mga isang buwan pa akong maglalaro sa kanila. Pero yun nga nangyari medyo kumplikado. Pero tinanggap ko naman ng maluwag sa kalooban ko. Masaya na ako at binigay sa akin yung retirement ko. Pinahalagahan ko na lang yung message sa akin na ireretire namin ang jersey mo. Doon pa lang masayang-masaya na ako."
Nonetheless, on Wednesday night, he was reunited with his former San Miguel family during the retirement of his jersey number, becoming just the seventh player in franchise history to be accorded such honor.
Aside from Santos, former Beermen whose jerseys were retired include four-time MVP Ramon Fernandez, Allan Caidic, Hector Calma, Yves Dignadice, Olsen Racela, and the late Samboy Lim.
“Sobrang sarap ng feeling. Biro mo mga legend na yun. Pampito lang ako at iilan lang siya. Kaya hindi ganun kadali i-retire yung jersey," said Santos, who was PBA MVP in 2013.
"Kasi ako nun gusto ko lang makakuha ng panalo, mag-champion, makakuha ng magandang buhay sa ngalan ng basketball. Hindi nga pumasok sa isip ko na pati yung opportunity na ito puwede ko palang ma-achieve pa at ibinigay sa akin.”
Santos thanked the top management of San Miguel led by President and CEO Ramon S. Ang for the opportunity given to him to play for the franchise
SMC Sports Director Alfrancis Chua and team governor Robert Non presented Santos with the glass-framed flaming red and black San Miguel jersey, a basketball encased in a special glass frame, and a San Miguel cap, and jersey.
League commissioner Willie Marcial joined Santos during the simple celebration together with the entire San Miguel and Blackwater teams.
The veteran forward made special mention to his 'Death Five' teammates in June Mar Fajardo, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross, and Alex Cabagnot, who won a total of nine championships with Santos.
His wife Ivette and their five children were also present along with top Far Eastern University officials Anton Montinola and Mark Molina, and former teammate Denok Miranda.
In a distinguised career, the 6-foot-4 Santos also won two finals MVP, two All-Star MVP, and two Best Player of the Conference awards. He was a 12-time All-Star, 10-time Mythical First Team member, two-time Mythical Second Team awardee, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and eight-time All-Defensive Team member.
Santos also thanked the San Miguel Beer fans and fellow kabalen who were in the stands to attend his jersey retirment.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
