The Canary Islander who cried when he left the Mariners

In the Canary Islands, Asdrúbal Padrón is affectionately known as “El Búfalo”—a moniker that reflects his unyielding spirit on the pitch.

At 34, the seasoned forward remains active, playing for Arucas CF, a club from his native island that competes in Spain’s fifth division.

But years ago, in the summer of 2017, he became one of the first Spaniards to don the jersey of the Central Coast Mariners.

Though his time in Australian football was fleeting—just six months, 11 official matches, and two goals—the experience left an indelible mark on his soul.

Now, in 2025, he looks back on that chapter with deep emotion.

“The most vivid memory I have of my time in Australia is leaving Sydney in a taxi with my wife, bound for Spain,” he said.

“We both wept, exchanging glances filled with sorrow, pained by the realisation that we had struggled to adapt, that we had not been able to fully embrace the club and the country.

“It was a short spell, just half a season, but I cherished every moment.

“I left with a heart full of admiration.

“The stadium was magnificent, the club had a warm, family-like atmosphere, and my teammates were incredibly welcoming.

“The Mariners’ style of play was strikingly similar to that of UD Las Palmas—elegant, fluid, possession-based football.

“The club provided me with every resource, and I believe I reached a very high level of performance.”

Asdrúbal’s arrival in Australia generated great anticipation.

His pedigree spoke for itself: he had achieved back-to-back promotions to LaLiga—first with UD Las Palmas in 2015, and then in 2016 with CD Leganés, where he played on loan.

Before setting foot in Australia, he had also tested himself in Thailand’s footballing landscape.

“I remember matches where we lost 0-3 at home, yet the fans stayed behind, cheering us on, shaking our hands,” he said.

“The level of respect for footballers is incredible.

“You can walk through the streets without being disturbed—something unimaginable in Spain.”

But his transition to the Mariners was not without challenges.

“I was coming off a knee operation, which made things difficult,” he said.

“Statistically, my goal tally did not reflect my efforts, but in terms of gameplay, I had some truly outstanding performances.

“I would have loved to stay longer in that beautiful country, but the distance from my family, the solitude, and the language barrier took their toll.

“If I could relive that experience with the wisdom I have now, I would savour it so much more.”

Despite the miles that separate him from Australia, Asdrúbal still follows the Mariners.

“I don’t watch every match, but I like keeping up with their standings and new signings,” he said.

“I know they were crowned champions last season, that Usain Bolt once trialled with them, and that this year they faced Johor FC in the AFC Champions League.”

Asdrúbal said he would return to Australia as a tourist, as a footballer, even for free.

“I know I will, someday,” he said.

“Living there is a gift—the wildlife, the landscapes.

“I adore surfing, and Australia boasts endless stretches of spectacular coastline.

“It is a country that has everything.

“Now that my life is more settled, I know that with my wife and children, we could find true happiness there.”

Today, alongside his playing career, Asdrúbal serves as a sports coordinator at a football academy affiliated with his club and the renowned events company Sonreír es Magia.

From Spain, he sends his warmest regards to his supporters in Australia and wishes them a wonderful 2025.

Andrés Arencibia Almeida