By: Icko de Guzman
Members of the Philippine Men’s National Football Team and the Philippine Football Federation paid tribute to long-time goalkeeper Neil Etheridge following his retirement from international football.
Etheridge, who plays for Thai and ASEAN champions Buriram United, announced his retirement from national team duty on June 1, closing an 18-year international career in which he earned 82 caps for the Philippines.
The 36-year-old was part of several landmark moments in Philippine football history, including the “Miracle in Hanoi” in 2010 and the country’s maiden AFC Asian Cup qualification in 2018.
Defender Daisuke Sato, who played alongside Etheridge for over a decade with the national team, praised the goalkeeper’s influence on Philippine football.
“He’s definitely one of the biggest legends in the Philippines. Everything that he has done for Philippine football, everyone appreciates it,” Sato said.
“The way that he carried the team, the way that he set the standard for Philippine football, I learned a lot from him. It’s very sad to see him go from the national team, but he’s definitely one of the biggest legends in the country.”
(C) AFC
Forward Jarvey Gayoso also highlighted Etheridge’s impact on the sport’s growth in the country.
“He played a big part in the progress of football here in the country and with these guys, especially. I was lucky enough to play with him,” Gayoso said.
“We can’t thank him enough.”
Midfielder Sandro Reyes, who shared the pitch with Etheridge during his final national team appearances, said the veteran goalkeeper deserved a proper send-off.
“I’m lucky enough and everyone else here in the squad has seen the deeper side of Neil. He’s a great guy to everyone,” Reyes said.
“Personally, he has helped me a lot, and I wish him nothing but the best. He’s had one of the best careers for a Filipino player. I hope he gets a better farewell because he deserves that as well.”
The PFF also honored Etheridge’s contributions to the national team.
“His courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the country inspired a generation of players, particularly world-class goalkeepers, and his legacy will forever be woven into the story of our game,” PFF president John Gutierrez said in a statement.
