By: Gil Moriones
TAGUIG CITY -- Days after his recent move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), John Gutierrez, President of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), committed to inviting Pedro Fernández Sarmiento—famously known as "Dro" Fernandez—to play for the Philippine Men's National Football Team. The announcement was made during a joint press conference with the PFF and PSC on Thursday morning.
"With regards to Dro Fernandez, he has the right, the privilege, and we welcome him. If he so chooses to for the Philippines. We will welcome him with open arms", Mr. Gutierrez affirmed.
On January 18, via their official Facebook page, the PFF extended an invitation to Fernandez to join the national team following the news of his departure from FC Barcelona. Fernandez previously served his youth tenure with the Spanish national system, playing for the U-15 through U-18 teams and scoring six goals in total.
During his stint with FC Barcelona, Fernandez was subbed on for his debut and scored in the 87th minute to seal a 3–1 victory over Vissel Kobe during the team's pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea. Then, he made his senior league debut for the club in a 2–1 win over Real Sociedad. He eventually made his UEFA Champions League debut, where he provided an assist in a 6–1 rout of Olympiacos.
Before breaking into the mainstream, Fernandez graduated from La Masia, Barcelona’s world-renowned football academy.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gutierrez offered "no comment" when asked whether the move to PSG was a better developmental option for the player, focusing instead on the federation's desire to recruit him.
"I don't want to comment on that, may mga kaibigan tayo sa Barcelona, may mga kaibigan tayo sa Paris Saint-German. Hayaan na natin 'yung sa kanila 'yon. Tayo, gusto nating maglaro siya para sa'tin instead of Spain", Mr. Gutierrez emphasized.
Fernandez is set to play for PSG in Ligue 1 until 2030.
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