In August 2011, Roland Richard Muller came to the Philippines to join the men’s national football team in preparation for the then upcoming Long Teng Cup. From there, the life of the Filipino-German goalkeeper changed.
With his contract with Swiss club Étoile Carouge expired by the end of last month, Muller is about to join the reigning United Football League champions and 2016 AFC Cup quarterfinalists Ceres-La Salle FC. For Roland, it is fulfillment of a dream.
“It was always my wish to play in the Philippines; I’m a national player. It was always in my [mind] to play [here]. Now, there is an opportunity. My contract expired in Switzerland; that’s why I decided to go to the Philippines,” he shared.
Muller also said that his decision of playing in the country at the UFL is his own way of helping the League. The Azkals custodian also praised his national team colleagues and now, club teammates, Patrick Reichelt and Paul Mulders, among others, for doing a good job in helping UFL reach greater heights.
“I am really, really happy. [It is] amazing.”
Muller did not need to adjust that much with his new club. “Yeah, most of them I knew from the Azkals, so it’s much easier. I know everybody, how they are. And [the] other guys, I only knew from one practice, but they are nice to me,” he said.
Now that he is about to play in the country, the keeper also sets his sights on the big tournament the country will be hosting this November – the 2016 ASEAN Football Federation Championship or the AFF Suzuki Cup.
“I’m looking forward for this tournament. I’m going to do my best to be there, to help the team. My first priority is to give my best, and leave the coach to decide.”
With the Azkals slowly coming home to play in the UFL, it is a welcome development to for the UFL and Philippine football in general.
With Muller in between the posts for Ceres-La Salle in the future, things are about to change.
