MANILA – Philippine Azkals midfield maestro Manuel “Manny” Ott makes a return trip to Ceres-Negros F.C. ahead the kickoff of its 2020 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup campaign this week.
The Filipino-German Ott agreed to a deal with the Busmen after a lackluster season of playing for Thailand football club Ratchaburi Mitr Phol in the Thai League 1 last season.
While in Thailand, Ott sustained a shin injury during the squad’s preseason training camp that sidelined him for a while.
“I’m very happy coming back home,” said Ott. “Ceres has always been a part of my family and I’m just excited about it. After my injury and after a long season without really playing, I’m really looking to get back in the competition and help the team.”
“Everything was running smoothly but the injury wasn’t something you plan for. It’s done, I got over it, and now I just wanna move forward getting back to where I was. I want to get back my rhythm and get some playing time” he added.
Prior to his move to Thailand, Ott had a five-year stint with the Ceres Negros and was part of the team’s three championships – one in the defunct United Football League and two in Philippines Football League.
He also helped the Negros Occidental-based football club to back-to-back domestic league titles, plus a strong showing in the Asian Football Confederation Cup campaigns in the past two seasons.
“I’ve missed competing in the AFC Cup. There’s a lot of pride and honor in playing in continental competition with Ceres-Negros. I just want to have a good start now with the upcoming game and I’m definitely looking forward to it,” said Ott./PN
