STEPHAN Schrock said he will mostly retire from international football following the Philippine Azkals' tie against Indonesia on Monday at the conclusion of their AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup campaign at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The 36-year-old made the statement during the prematch press conference on New Year’s Day ahead of the Azkals' final group stage game.
“As you know, in football, nothing is for sure, but 99 percent, this would be my last game for the national team,” said Schrock.
Saying he had sacrificed a lot for the national team, Schrock said now is the time to spend more time with his family.
“[After playing] 11 years for the national team, it’s quite emotional for me. Not many know what I have to sacrifice, how many million euro contracts I jeopardize to come off the national team, how many moments I missed out with my family.
“I have three children. Tomorrow, my youngest daughter will turn one. I missed all birthdays of the kids, all for the national team. I moved weddings for the national team. I couldn’t attend honeymoon for the national team. I left my family sick with COVID at home to come to the national team.”
Schrock once played for the Germany youth team but started playing for the Philippines in 2011 where he became one of the best players of the squad. He is currently the team captain for the Azkals, a position he has held for many years, while playing alongside the previous generation of Azkals led by Phil Younghusband.
Recently, Schrock started transitioning into coaching, taking courses and being part of the Azkals Development Team. Schrock was actually returning to national team duties as a player in this AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup after missing the roster of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers last year.
“I sacrificed a lot. And there comes a time when you want to have it in your own hands kinda like given that I wasn’t selected in the AFC qualifiers. So I think it’s time to step down and to enjoy the last 90 minutes of my Azkals career,” said Schrock.
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