“We have accepted Muangthong’s offer (for Diano) to join the club,” said Cooper. “We feel that it’s a good move because Muangthong is a strong club with a big history.”

ADT coach Scott Cooper confirmed on Monday the commitment of another product of the national team’s developmental squad alongside skipper Jarvey Gayoso at Thailand’s first division league T1.

Diano joining Muangthong came just two weeks after it was announced that Gayoso will be signing with the Thai powerhouse.

“Both players can thrive in the Thai League and it will help them that they are in the same club,” Cooper added.

The 23-year-old Diano played with the University of the East football squad, and also joined the roster of the Under-22 Azkals in the Southeast Asian Games last year with his defense, drawing interest from other clubs.

Moreover, the Masbate native also scored a goal against Timor Leste in the 2019 SEA Games.

“He had a wonderful SEA Games campaign and we feel that this move will only develop his career, help him go from strength to strength and hopefully develop him into an Azkal,” said Cooper.

Meanwhile, Diano and Gayoso are still preparing their papers before being allowed to enter Thailand.

Cooper said Diano and Gayoso are expected to fly to Thailand before the end of 2020 to complete the move.

Muangthong United is currently ranked eighth place in the T1 in the standings with 21 points, 20 behind leader BG Pathum United.

Muangthong United is currently coached by Serbian-born Macedonian Mario Gjurovski, who played under Cooper when he was still in Thailand.