MANILA, Philippines – Rising football star Jarvey Gayoso decided to skip his final year of eligibility in the UAAP as he decided to play professionally for a local club in the upcoming Philippines Football League (PFL). 

Gayoso made the announcement in Instagram, saying that he received offers to play professionally overseas, but he would rather hone his talent outside the UAAP. 

However, he would still continue to finish his studies in Ateneo. 

“After my stint at this year’s Southeast Asian games, God blessed me with an opportunity to play professional football overseas. Thus, in preparation for this huge task, I have made the decision to join a local professional team,” said Gayoso. 

“I will, however, continue to pursue my college degree at the Ateneo, as this has also been a lifelong goal.” 

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After much thought and deliberation, and with the guidance of Ateneo de Manila University and the AMFT, I have decided not to return to the UAAP this year. Although this was a tough decision to make, ultimately I had to choose what I believe would be what’s best for me and my future. After my stint at this year’s South East Asian games, God blessed me with an opportunity to play professional football overseas. Thus, in preparation for this huge task, I have made the decision to join a local professional team. I will, however, continue to pursue my college degree at the Ateneo, as this has also been a lifelong goal. I have played my heart out for the Ateneo for 8 wonderful years. 8 years that have brought me trials, triumph, and memories I will keep with me forever. As a student, my biggest task was to balance my academics and my love for the sport and along with this, came setbacks that tested my ambition. Being an athlete, I was given the opportunity to compete in football and track and field which strengthened my athleticism and versatility. As a football player, I have suffered devastating losses which helped build my character. And taking on the responsibility of representing my country and my alma mater showed my heart and my passion for the beautiful game. So to my dear Ateneo, I’d like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to strive for an Ateneo education, while proudly representing the blue and white. Playing for the Ateneo has improved every aspect of my life and opened numerous doors for me and I could never thank you enough. Choosing the Ateneo was and will always be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. To the 12th men, thank you for your continuous support and love for the game and for cheering us on through every minute. Thank you for all your sacrifices – for coming to watch our games under the heat of the sun, taking the time off your busy schedules to watch us do what we’re most passionate about, and for crying, celebrating, and fighting with us. (1/2)

A post shared by Jarvey Gayoso (@jarveygayoso) on Feb 5, 2020 at 7:11am PST

Gayoso won two UAAP titles with the Ateneo men’s football team and a pair of UAAP MVP awards, while also debuting for the Philippine Azkals in 2018. 

“Playing for the Ateneo has improved every aspect of my life and opened numerous doors for me and I could never thank you enough. Choosing the Ateneo was and will always be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” wrote Gayoso. 

The Ateneo stalwart competed in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games where the Philippine Under-22 men’s football team narrowly missed a semifinal berth. Though he didn’t score a goal, Gayoso played a big role in the starting XI. 

The rising football star flaunts a basketball pedigree – his grandfather is three-time Olympian Ed Ocampo and his dad is former PBA stalwart Jayvee Gayoso – but he chose to focus on football to make his own legacy. (ATHLETE’S CORNER: New goal in sight for Jarvey Gayoso) – Rappler.com