MIGGY Clarino hopes that just like his brother Ian, he gets signed by an international football club soon.
"I’ve been following his footsteps ever since naman," the University of the Philippines defender told The Prospects Pod.
"Kaya din ako nag-UST High School dahil sa kanya. Kaya ako nag-UP dahil din sa kanya. So he’s been guiding me ever since I was a kid. Siya talaga ‘yung pinaka-close ko sa aming magkakapatid, and hindi lang kapatid yung turing niya sa akin, tinuring niya akong isang rookie, isang teammate. So parang for me, kung nasaan siya, doon ako mago-grow pa."
Ian Clarino plays for Illawara club Bulli FC, and Miggy is hopeful to one day make it there too.
"Nagsabi din naman siya sa akin na gagawin niya lahat para maayos ‘yung papers ko for Australia, if ever," he said.
It may be too early for Clarino to think about his future given that there's still chance for those student-athletes who failed to have a fitting curtain call to their collegiate careers after the global COVID-19 pandemic forced the UAAP Season 82 to scrap the remainder of the second semester sports.
But the 23-year-old skipper has already decided on his fate.
Clarino is happy with what he has accomplished with the Fighting Maroons, helping the Anto Gonzales-mentored side to two titles.
That's why he has no problem whether or not "super seniors" like him will be given the chance to extend their collegiate careers.
Right now, his concern is to finish his studies and focus on his future.
"Hindi pa kasi ako graduate, so mag-aaral pa ako," said Clarino. "Sabi nila pwede pa raw mag-one year, pero hindi na. Masyado na siguro akong matanda para doon."
This season was supposed to be a redemption year for UP after losing the football crown to Ateneo last year and falling to La Salle in the semifinals.
"Coming from a loss nung Season 81, mataas yung expectations namin sa isa’t isa. So everyone thought na it would be our season," he said, as the Fighting Maroons were one of the men's football tournament's early leaders with one win and one draw through two fixtures.
Still, Clarino can walk away from the pitch with his head held high.
"Wala, hindi talaga pinagpala ng Diyos. Ganoon talaga yung buhay," he rued, while also entrusting UP to the leadership of Kintaro Miyagi.
Putting his collegiate career behind him, all Clarino wants is to continue his football career, may it be overseas or in the Philippines Football League (PFL).
"I hope to find a team, hopefully abroad. Pero if wala talaga, pwede naman dito."
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