UMVA can exclusively reveal that veteran goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has hung up his gloves for national team duties, marking the end of an era for the Philippine Azkals.
The 36-year-old Fil-British stalwart had been a vital cog in the team's rise to prominence in the 2010s, serving the national booters for 18 years and helping them bring pride and honor to a country that had long struggled in international football.
Etheridge played a key role on defense as the Azkals secured a historic ticket to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup with a thrilling 2-1 win over Tajikistan in the Qualifiers at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, a moment that will forever be etched in the memories of Filipino football fans.
Throughout his illustrious career, Etheridge achieved numerous milestones, including becoming the first Filipino and Southeast Asian player to see action in the Premier League, where he manned the sticks for Cardiff in the 2018-19 season.
In an emotional post on Monday, Etheridge reflected on his journey, saying, "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."
With 82 appearances under his belt, Etheridge joined the Azkals as an 18-year-old in 2008 and evolved into one of the most influential players of the program, driven by his passion and desire to give everything for the team and the country.
Etheridge's dedication and perseverance earned him the prestigious Mr. Football Award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association in 2018, a testament to his hard work and commitment to the sport.
