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Neil Etheridge retires from national team duty
After 18 years of representing the Philippines, Neil Etheridge has announced his retirement from national team football.
In a social media post late Monday, goalkeeper Etheridge confirmed his decision and reflected on his journey with the national squad.
“Love & Heartbreak, Passion & Desire, I never stopped caring, I always gave everything for the team and the country,” wrote the 36-year-old goalkeeper.
“Time away and things that I had to experience along the way with teammates that no one other than my teammates would understand. I don’t regret any of my decisions.”
“At the age of 18, I made my decision to play for the Philippines. Qualified for the first time ever to the Asian Cup for the country, First Filipino player to ever play in the Premier League!”
“I made some amazing friends along the way and met some great people. Memories that will last with me forever.”
Etheridge also expressed his gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career.
“Thank you to everyone I have come across and I wish nothing but success for the next generation of Filipino footballers across the world,” he said.
“All I wanted from the beginning was to make a difference and I hope that I was able to achieve that with my service to the country and national team.”
Etheridge made 82 appearances for the Philippines after making his senior debut in 2008. During his international career, he helped the Azkals finish as runners-up in the AFC Challenge Cup in 2014 and secure a bronze-medal finish in the same tournament in 2012.
Etheridge also played a key role in helping the Philippines qualify for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in 2019 and became the played first started for Fulham FC in the Premier League in 2008. He is now playing with Buriram United in Thailand.
—JKC, GMA News
