One of the country’s emerging homegrown football stars has reaffirmed his decision to take the professional route.

In his first television interview since making his big announcement in February, former Ateneo Blue Eagle Jarvey Gayoso said he’s still decided on foregoing his final playing year and joining a professional club.

“So, I have said my farewell. The mindset really is to grow as a player so as of now, yes, I’m focused on being able to start my career professionally as a football player,” he said on ABS CBN Sports’ “UpFront.”

Early this year, Gayoso officially bid his farewell to the Blue and White in two lengthy and heartfelt Instagram posts. His stint with the national team in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, he said in a post, was instrumental helping him arrive at his decision.

“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 professional local team,” he wrote.

It doesn’t mean, though, that he is leaving Ateneo completely. He further stated that he’s committed to finish his studies and fulfill a “lifelong goal” of getting a college degree from the institution.

Learnings from the UAAP

Two championships, two MVPs, four Best Striker awards, and a reputation of being one of the most feared players on the pitch, Gayoso leaves the Eagles’ nest on a high.

In Season 81, the Ateneo men’s team brought back the crown to Katipunan, bagging its second title in three years. It was the end to an illustrious collegiate career.

But the star striker carries with him the lessons from his battles in the UAAP.

“Coming into college football when I was a rookie, I had the mindset wherein I knew that I had so much to prove because I was already done with learning everything I could in the high school level, so when I came into college, I knew that was time for me to step up, to open myself to more opportunities to learn, from the coaches, the new players that I deal with in the field,” Gayoso said, a perspective that allowed him to achieve success in different stages of his sports career.

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

View this post on Instagram

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

But going pro is a different beast, and he knows it. From being a star in high school and college, he may have to dial it down as he faces tougher competition, an adjustment he’s willing to make to reach the pinnacle in the next level.

“It’s just that mindset of knowing that I still have a lot to improve on and I take that mindset and put it into my training,” the football prodigy said

“I put it into the time that I have to work on my game so that I’ll be able to actually learn. It’s actually more of just for me to learn. I never look at it as a way for me to become the best player. It’s just for me to learn and eventually it just pays for itself.”

Advice for the next generation

When asked for a message for aspiring football players, Gayoso said: “If you love the sport, do whatever it takes to be best at it. You should never be contented of what you have achieved. If you’ve already won something, don’t make it stop you from learning more; don’t make it stop you from working harder.

“You can always be a better person, you can always be a better player than who you are today. Just keep working hard and remember to stay humble.”

Armed with the right mindset and attitude, the collegiate standout has the makings of a great future ambassador for the sport.

His humility and willingness to learn coupled, with generosity and genuine concern for the younger ones, could put him back at the forefront.

Remember the name. It could happen sooner rather than later. Gayoso’s next step could define a fresh chapter in Philippine football.

Catch the full interview here:

Watch more in iWantv or TFC.tv

Follow Martin on Twitter (@martindjavier) and Instagram (@martin_javier).

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website).