By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Stephan Schrock played his final game for the Philippine Azkals when they faced Indonesia in the 2022 AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup last night at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

The Filipino-German midfielder announced that he is ending his national men’s football team stint that was highlighted by 56 game appearances, including six goal conversions and nine assists.

“As you know, in football, nothing is for sure, but 99 percent it will be my last game for the national team. Coming 11 years for the national team, it’s quite emotional for me,” the 36-year-old Schrock said.

“Not many know what I had to sacrifice, how many million euro contracts I jeopardized to come out for the national team, and how many moments I missed out with my family,” he added.

Schrock started his Azkals career in 2011 when he played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup first round qualifiers. His biggest moment for the national team was when he led the Philippines in its maiden appearance on the continental stage.

Schrock played in the country’s three group stage games in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, where he scored the only goal for the national men’s football team against Kyrgyzstan.

“I can assure you, in the past 11 years, whenever I was called up and whenever I was able to convince the club in Europe to let me go, I always played my heart out,” Schrock said.

“I always showed up in the best possible shape, even if it’s off-season. During the season, with lots of games, little games, I always come here to deliver my best performance,” he said.

“Some games it goes better, some games it doesn’t. What I can tell you is that I always played my heart out and always put in the effort that is necessary to represent the country,” he further said.

The Azkals were already out of playoff contention in the 2022 AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup regardless of the outcome of their match against Indonesia due to its one win and two loss slate./ASC, WDJ