Stephan Schrock said he never regretted playing for the Philippines.
“I consciously took that decision because we have many great players playing abroad and I wish them luck and continue to play there and carry the flag wherever they may be. But for me, I thought I had an impact on the football scene and what does it for the people if I don’t step into the pitch in my mother country and try to raise the game here if they see that I do well in Japan, Europe, or elsewhere?”
said the Filipino-German who has retired from competition.
The former Azkals team captain said he is thankful for his family’s support in donning the Philippine colors.
“People should see ‘he’s raising the bar’ which I did. Therefore, I never regretted it and am thankful for my mother and my family,” Schrock said.
He played 57 matches for the Philippines dating back to 2011 and scored six goals.
Schrock played his final game for the Azkals who lost to Indonesia, 2-1, in a group match of the ASEAN Football Federation Mitsubishi Electric Cup.
Now involved in the Azkals youth teams as a coach, Schrock said he wants to build himself up to be a future head coach of the national team.
“My long-term vision is to be the head coach of the national team. I’m working toward it and I’m sure it will happen once I finish my coaching courses,” Schrock said.
