Football takes journeyman Rodriguez to 12 countries on three continents

SINGAPORE — A few days after his contract with Indonesian club Madura United ended, Pablo Rodriguez Aracil was notified by his agent of an offer from a club in Singapore.

Why not, the 31-year-old thought. He also had offers from other Indonesian sides, but Singapore was on his bucket list of places to live in.

Two weeks ago, Rodriguez arrived to sign for Hougang United. The move makes Singapore the 12th country the striker has played football in.

The countries that Rodriguez has plied his trade in now spans three continents. Indonesia and Singapore aside, he has also played in Spain, England, Ireland, Romania, Cyprus, Honduras, India, the Philippines, Norway and the Maldives.

His remarkable journey is reminiscent of that of former S.League goalkeeper Lutz Pfannenstiel, who played in 15 countries and is the only footballer ever to play in all six Fifa confederations (Asia, the Americas, Africa, Europe and Oceania).

Speaking to TODAY last week, Rodriguez said that he moved to the academy of his hometown club, Valencia CF, when he was seven, and went on to play for Valencia’s reserve team, before leaving his hometown at 18 for lower league or amateur Spanish sides.

“I keep changing clubs because I really like to travel,” he said in English. “Once I realised I couldn’t play (at the) highest level in Europe when I was 22, 23, I decided to play around the world and get good contracts, and (also) to see other countries and experience (different cultures).”

He has played for around 20 teams and typically does not spend more than one season at each, after which he will wait for offers before deciding on his next destination. Rodriguez, who is single, is not fazed at having to pack his bags and adjusting to new surroundings on a constant basis.

“I studied tourism, so when I finished my degree, I thought (playing football) is the best way to travel for free and (also) get paid to do what I love — this is the best combination, that’s why every single season, I was trying to find a new destiny.”

Rodriguez, who was the top scorer for Maldivian club Maziya S&RC in 2015 (17 goals in 27 league games), and for Madura last season (14 goals in 33 league games), added that Asia is “easier to live and play” in due to the friendliness of people and the weather, which he has gotten used to. He acknowledged that football standards are lower compared to Europe, but believes most Asian countries are improving.

He retains fond memories of playing with World Cup winners and Valencia academy graduates David Silva and Raul Albiol, as well as coming up against a certain Barcelona superstar.

“I played against (Lionel) Messi when he was 17,” Rodriguez said with a smile. “At that time, he was already the best! I’ve also met (Roberto) Soldado, (Alvaro) Arbeloa and Pablo Hernandez.”

There are challenges that come with living a journeyman footballer lifestyle, one of which is not getting paid on time. “When I was younger, I didn’t think too much, so when I got the offers, I just said ‘yes’,” he explained.

“So sometimes, in countries like Cyprus, Romania and Honduras, I didn’t get paid. I wasn’t as happy as I thought (I would be) because I had these problems.

“After these mistakes, I now make sure that when I am signing a new contract, the team has no economic problems ... I’ve realised that it’s better to earn (a little) less and get paid monthly; it also helps my performances on the field to be much better.”

Rodriguez declined to reveal his salary here, but it is understood that quality foreign signings in the S.League can earn more than S$6,000 a month.

The 1.90m tall player also declared that he is happy to be here. Even though the S.League does not draw 40,000-strong crowds like in Indonesia, he feels the standard of living here is “much better”. He has also been impressed by Hougang’s ambitious efforts to become a more professional and competitive outfit.

The Cheetahs, who finished sixth last season, have upgraded their changing room and dugouts. Several new players have been brought in and former Home United coach Philippe Aw has been appointed as their new head coach, as 
they aim to challenge for the title.

“I think they are very good people, a good club trying to do good things,” said Rodriguez, who scored on his first appearance during Hougang’s pre-season friendly against Malaysian Super League side Pahang last week. Hougang lost 1-3.

“It is very professional and team-mates are very friendly with me.

“For me, the main target is to have a good season with the club; my personal goal is to become league top scorer.”

Despite his love for travelling, Rodriguez admits to missing home and indicated there might not be too many different countries to head to next.

“If I am happy here, maybe I could quit football and stay,” he said.

“If not, and I get another offer, I will think about it, or go back to Spain.

“Because my mind is tired right now of moving around, maybe it is enough for me. Time flies so fast, I am 31 now.

“I don’t know if I will meet a girl here and spend my entire life here! But right now, I am focused on this season.”