Patrick Deyto is ready for the latest chapter in his professional football career in Thailand.
Thai League 1 side Chonburi Football Club announced last Monday that it had signed the former Stallion Laguna goalkeeper to strengthen its lineup for the 2023-2024 season, which will commence this August.
For Deyto, signing a one-year contract with Chonburi is a dream come true.
“It was actually just made official today because I was really focused on the match. I really didn’t want to react too much to it already, but I’m obviously excited. I’m excited to go back to Thailand, and my family is also excited,” he said.
“We’ve been waiting for this for a couple of weeks because I signed a pre-agreement three weeks ago, so finally it became official. I’m looking forward to playing in the Thai League again.”
Before the former De La Salle University standout finalized his latest transfer, he made a cameo appearance in the past season of the Philippines Football League.
He represented Stallion Laguna in several matches, one of which was a man-of-the-match performance against Dynamic Herb Cebu, which allowed Kaya-Iloilo to win the league title.
While the option to stay in Stallion Laguna and join the club’s first foray into AFC competition was available, the 6-foot-1 goalkeeper hoped to move to a club within the Thai League 1.
“My agent was in contact with several teams. Chonburi was the first priority, the first option, and he was able to make it work. So really, thanks to my agent,” he said.
“There were other countries like Indonesia. A lot of teams contacted me, but nothing really materialized. Personally, I think Thailand is really my preference because I have a profile there. I’ve played there. I love their country. My family also loves their country, so coming back would be ideal for me.”
Deyto’s move to Chonburi will represent a new challenge in his career. During his past stints with Suphanburi and PT Prachuap, he was involved in the bottom half of the 16-team league.
Now, he will be part of a team in the top half that seeks to make it into continental competitions.
“It’s a big club. That’s why I’m really looking forward to this opportunity. It’s a bit different from my previous clubs, but yeah, I’m ready. I think I deserve it, and I will give it my best,” said Deyto.
“Obviously, I want to end up higher in the table because the last two clubs I have been with, we’ve really been in relegation battles. It would be nice to be away from them for once, but for me, the goal is to give 100 percent.”
Only time will tell whether or not Deyto will have a successful stint with his new team, Chonburi. While the challenge of moving upwards may be daunting, he is ready to give everything.
As one of the top homegrown products of Philippine football in the last decade, he is determined to make this latest chapter in his career work both for himself and his new club.
“I try to improve every single day. I try to be better than who I am today, and that’s all I can do. That’s my mindset, and that has worked for me in the last few years, so I don’t want to change anything,” he said.
