The goalkeeper Adrián Gabbarini will play in LigaPro 2021 as a naturalized Ecuadorian.
The player already obtained Ecuadorian nationality through a presidential decree on January 22, a step that has him and his family "proud".
"The naturalization was something that I wanted and also my family. I feel happy to belong to this country and to be able to represent it in the best way," said the Argentinean-born player.
Gabbarini emphasized that Liga has a "lot of meaning" in his professional life. "Since I arrived, I felt that it was not just another step in my career, but it would be a great step," commented the 35-year-old goalkeeper during a virtual meeting after the team's practice.
The player joined the university club in 2018, and this 2021 the goalkeeper's contract was extended for two seasons. However, Gabbarini currently rules out ending his career in Liga's ranks.
"I can't think about retirement now, I have to think about the day to day, being well, responding to the club and the coach. Retiring in a big team is for a few, because in recent years you have to be at the top level and live up to an institution like Liga. I set short-term goals, but I do prepare for the future," said Gabbarini, who is studying to become a coach.
The first step for Liga and Gabbarini this season is the Supercopa Ecuador, with the semifinal game against Independiente del Valle on Thursday, marking the start of "a very demanding year in terms of quality and quantity of matches," he added. (D)