Marck Espejo hopes his recent signing with FC Tokyo for the Japan V.League would continue to open more doors to Filipino volleyball players wanting to play abroad.
“Kami ni Bryan (Bagunas), in-open na namin yung doors para ipakita na eto, Philippines, pwede mo ring pagkuhanan ng imports,” Espejo told Manila Bulletin, referring to Bagunas who is also expected to return to the said Division I league with a different team.
Espejo’s signing with FC Tokyo marks as the fourth time that he would play at a foreign league following stints with Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler also in Japan, Visakha team in Thailand and Bani Jamra in Bahrain.
Espejo said the offer came during the national team’s training camp in Japan a few years ago.
“Nilapitan nila ako at sinabi nila na if pwede na silang kumuha ng Asian import, kukunin nila ako. Dumating na po sa point na ito na, kaya excited na rin po ako,” he said.
Espejo is expected to join his Japanese team by August, where he would spend eight to 10 months.
He also assured his commitment to the national team in the 31st Southeast Asian Games slated in Vietnam late this year despite reports that the organizers are contemplating on rescheduling the biennial meet.
“Matuloy man po ang SEA Games this year o hindi, ready naman po ako kahit kailan para sa national team,” Espejo said.
The 24-year-old outside hitter also said his foreign stints not only help him grow as a player but also as a teammate.
“Sobrang laking tulong na makapaglaro abroad kasi yung experience at system na nakukuha mo, nadadala mo sa Philippines at nashi-share mo sa teammates mo,” he said.
Fans and supporters congratulated him on his recent career development including his mother club in the Spikers' Turf, Cignal HD Spikers.