STEPHAN Schrock bid farewell to the Philippine Azkals and their fans with a Tagalog message on his social media account.
A day after playing his final match of the 2022 AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup, the 36-year-old Schrock on Tuesday expressed how proud he was to carry the Philippine flag for 11 years.
Schrock said he carries the surname of his father, but he played his heart out for his mother’s country.
“Isang karangalan at kasiyahan na kumatawan sa ating bansa sa loob ng 11 taon. Sinuot ko ang apelyido ng aking ama ngunit nilalaro ko ang puso ng aking ina,” wrote Schrock.
“Sa huli, ang masasabi ko lang ay: Mula sa kaibuturan ng aking puso - salamat sa inyong lahat,” added Schrock.
Schrock announced before the gmatch against Indonesia that he is retiring from international play. In 1-2 defeat on Monday night, Schrock delivered the assist to Jens Rasmussen in the 83rd minute for the Philippines' lone goal.
The home game enabled Schrock to say goodbye to the Filipino fans at the stands in person. Schrock was also lifted by his teammates to pay tribute to the longtime Azkals team captain.
“I’m very thankful and very grateful for everyone that supported me and for those people who also criticized me at times. All the coaches that I had, management for the support, and the love I felt. I will dearly missed that.”
“I’m just happy overall … that they don’t have to put me on a wheelchair on the pitch,” said Schrock after the match with Radyo Pilipinas 2's Aaron Bayato.
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