54One of Philippine football’s most beloved foreign players is on the move once again.
United City divulged that Robert Lopez Mendy is leaving the team to compete in another Southeast Asian league, Monday afternoon.
“UCFC is announcing the departure of its charismatic striker, Robert Lopez Mendy, who is joining a new team in Cambodia,” read the team’s statement.
“The Club would like to thank him for his contributions in winning a fourth PFL title last season and the subsequent qualification for the AFC Champions League group stages.”
This move ends Lopez Mendy’s long tenure in the Philippines, which started in 2013. He suited up for Green Archers United in the defunct United Football League. Lopez Mendy also helped GAU to a third-place finish in the United Football League Cup in 2015.
The 33-year-old then transferred to Kaya Football Club-Iloilo. There, the highlight of his stay was the 2018 Copa Paulino Alcantara win at the expense of Davao Aguilas in the final.
A short stint at Universiti Teknologi MARA Football Club in Malaysia followed, but he returned to Ceres-Negros/United City in 2019. He won the 2019 Copa Paulino Alcantara and earned the Golden Boot for the said tournament, as well as the 2019 and 2020 Philippines Football League crowns.
During the 2020 season, Lopez Mendy had five goals and three assists to his name.
“Thank you, Mendy, and all the best for your new venture.”
The 5-foot-10 forward is the latest departure from United City during the off-season. Both OJ Porteria and Manuel Ott departed before him.
Besides the permanent signing of Anthony Pinthus, there is still no word on incoming players. The club is looking to rebuild and prepare to compete in the 2021 AFC Champions League group stages.
