LONGTIME national player Patrick Reinchelt has called time on his international career at the end of the Philippine men's team's huge 1-0 away win over Indonesia that sealed an unlikely place in the ASEAN Cup semifinals.
In an emotional post on Facebook on Sunday, the 36-year-old winger announced that he was 'leaving camp' after a long and accomplished career with the former Azkals side that he joined as a 24-year old back in a 2012 win over Cambodia.
READ PMNT returns to ASEAN Cup semis after beating Indonesia
"With a very heavy heart, I’m leaving the camp today after our successful semifinal qualification," said Reichelt, who currently plays for club team Kuala Lumpur.
The Fil-German forward was part of the Philippine team that qualified for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in 2019 and leaves the team shortly after it reached the ASEAN Cup Final Four for the first time in six years.
Reichelt said he and his wife are expecting their first child in a few days and he is getting ready for a new chapter in his life.
Here's his complete post:
With a very heavy heart, I’m leaving the camp today after our successful semifinal qualification. This is a decision I discussed with the management and coaching staff beforehand, and I’m grateful for their full support.
My wife and I are expecting our first child in just a few days, and it’s time for me to fly home and give my undivided attention to our growing family. As this beautiful new chapter begins in our lives, another comes to an end.
Yesterday’s game marked my last match wearing the Philippines football jersey. This decision was never going to be easy, but I always knew the day would come. For nearly 13 years, this team has been my family. I owe so much of my life to this experience.
We’ve shared Christmases, birthdays, and even quarantines together. I’ve literally grown up with this national team, and you’ve been a huge part of shaping me into the man I am today.
Representing the Philippines as a national team player has been the greatest honor of my professional career. I hope, along the way, I was able to inspire fans, friends, and especially my teammates to understand what it truly means to represent this amazing team and the people of our country. I will treasure this journey and its memories forever.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone I’ve worked with over the years—my teammates, coaches, and staff. Thank you for letting me be part of this incredible family.
I’ll see you around Philippines football.
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