Take a bow, Kapitan!

Photo by: The Philippine Football Federation

After a successful 11-year run as a stalwart of the Philippine Azkals garnering a total of 57 caps, six goals and nine assists, Stephan Schröck calls time as he played his last match for the country in their last game of the 2022 AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup against Indonesia.

It seems as if it was just yesterday when Stephan Schröck introduced himself not just to the nation and the region, but to the whole world when he scored that strike against Kuwait in the World Cup qualifiers match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

That goal made a statement that he's here not because of the opportunity to play football, but for pride and to honour his beloved Nanay and the Filipino roots that flow in his blood.

Schröck, during his prime years, was our best player. He played high-level football in Europe, with no less than being part of the Bundesliga - in Hoffenheim, Frankfurt and Schweinfurt, which makes him also one of the most highly skilled players we've had in Azkals history.

"You can never find someone as crazy as me who would continue to refuse a lucrative offer to play for their team because I choose to stay in the Philippines and be of service to the National Team," he said after his final game wearing the captain's armband and the national colours.

But more than being crazy, it is his passion for football and his dream to help develop the sport in the country that gave him the motivation to keep playing for the Azkals even if it is not always a sunny day between him and the team. Schröck also had a few falling out with the team in the course of his 11-year career in the National Team.

Despite the unavoidable bad days with the Azkals, Schröck continued on his journey and brought his Bundesliga experience to the PFL and even in the 7s Football League. He's just everywhere, giving young players an opportunity to experience what it is like playing alongside the country's "Mr. Football."

As he hangs up his jersey tonight, a lot may wonder what is next for Schrock now that he's not going to suit up for the Azkals anymore - is he going to Coach or is he going to continue playing for the local league? He did not give a definite answer but expect that he's still going to be very much involved in the Philippine Football scene.

Photo by: The Philippine Football Federation

"I'm still going to be involved in football, I want to get involved even after I retire," he said.

Schrock believes that it is very hard to single out a player from the team who could take his place as the captain of the Azkals. He believes that every member of the team has what it takes to become the next leader of the pack.

"All those who wore the captain's armband had different personalities - I was different from Phil, Phil was different from Rob, and Rob was different from Aly. It will be unfair for those young ones to be singled out as all had equal opportunity to show their leadership to the team and stand out."

Photo by: The Philippine Football Federation

As the stadium lights go off after the match against Indonesia and as the Azkals bow out of the competition, there's one thing that Schrock wanted to say to the fans that supported him from the start up until he decided that it's time to give the limelight to the youngsters.

"I have no regrets in all those 11 years that I have spent playing for the National Team. I'm deeply grateful to all those who supported me and the team all these years. Salamat po!"

The name Stephan Schrock will go down in Philippine Football history as one of the best players that ever donned the colours of the Senior Men's National Team. He was the epitome of passion, hard work and of dedication for football and for the country.

Take a bow, Schröcky! Maraming salamat and may retirement treat you well!