Nierras happy to see Sanchez in face-off four years after huge transfer drama

By Ivan Saldajeno

BIÑAN--Four years is more than enough for Stallion Laguna to move on from the Rufo Sanchez transfer drama.

Coach Ernie Nierras told Dugout Philippines on Friday night that his club's first game against its former star was a typical Laguna game for him.

"It's nothing personal. That's all dead and gone already. That's four years ago. He's a Global [Cebu] player now. It's nice to play against each other. I don't wish him any ill feeling," said Nierras. "It's nice to see him back. He has a lot of fans here."

The animosity between Sanchez and Laguna stemmed from the 2013 UFL preseason transfer window when Cebu announced the shock signing of the striker following Laguna's sweep of the league and the cup titles the previous season.

Laguna protested the said transfer, and it led to a six-month ban on Sanchez. Sanchez would leave for Thailand, where his career further blossomed.

The said match at the Biñan Football Stadium ended with Laguna beating Cebu, 2-1, but Nierras does not see this victory as a strong signal given to Sanchez that the club can thrive without him.

"We've played so many years already without him. This is now a different team from the 2013 team where he was a part of," continued Nierras.

In fact, he even bared that he can still welcome Laguna's former "prodigal son" back to its fold.

"The doors are never closed," Nierras further said.

But there is one condition: "It depends on our strategy how we play--if he matches the way we play."

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