As the Philippines advanced to the ASEAN Championship Mitsubishi Electric Cup semis after its 1-0 win over Indonesia on Saturday, Patrick Reichelt, meanwhile, ended his stint with the national team.
Reichelt announced the development on Sunday.
“Yesterday’s game marked my last match wearing the Philippines football jersey. This decision was never going to be easy, but I always knew the day would come. For nearly 13 years, this team has been my family. I owe so much of my life to this experience,” Reichelt wrote in his social media post.
The national team forward said he will now turn his focus to his family as he leaves camp after the semis qualification.
“With a very heavy heart, I’m leaving the camp today after our successful semi-final qualification. This is a decision I discussed with the management and coaching staff beforehand, and I’m grateful for their full support,” Reichelt wrote.
“My wife and I are expecting our first child in just a few days, and it’s time for me to fly home and give my undivided attention to our growing family. As this beautiful new chapter begins in our lives, another comes to an end,” he added.
For the 36-year old Filipino-German player, “Representing the Philippines as a national team player has been the greatest honor of my professional career.”
“I hope, along the way, I was able to inspire fans, friends, and especially my teammates to understand what it truly means to represent this amazing team and the people of our country. I will treasure this journey and its memories forever,” he added.
The Philippines, meanwhile, will play Thailand in the ASEAN Championship semis on December 27.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
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