MANILA – United City Football Club striker Bienvenido Marañon is elated with the progress of his naturalization process before the House of Representatives.
The House panel has unanimously approved House Bill No. 7427 filed by Manila City first district Rep. Manny Lopez which seeks to grant Filipino citizenship to Marañon.
“Yes, I feel so happy. I received lots of love from Filipinos and I would like to give it back. I feel at home in the Philippines and I hope to be one of you,” said the 34-year-old Spanish forward said in an interview with Sports Journ.
Marañon said he wanted to become a Filipino due to his love for the country and its people. He also loves to play for the national team because he feels like he has been a Filipino since he arrived in the country.
“I want to help them [Philippine Azkals] reach the World Cup, play in the Asian Cup, and win the Suzuki Cup,” the El Puerto-born player added.
Before playing for United City FC in the 2020 Philippines Football League (PFL), Marañon played for the defunct Ceres-Negros since he arrived in 2015. He steered the club to the ASEAN Zonal Final of the AFC Cup in 2017 and 2018.
He also made a huge impact in the domestic league helping Ceres-Negros FC grand slam title in the PFL from 2017 to 2019 and added another for United City FC this year.
According to Marañon, his family in Spain was also excited for the progress of his naturalization process.
“They want the best for me and this could be the greatest thing that could happen. They can’t also wait to visit the Philippines and enjoy the beautiful country,” Marañon said./PN
