PFF honors Neil Etheridge following retirement from national team

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) paid tribute to longtime national team goalkeeper Neil Etheridge after he officially announced his retirement from international duty.

PFF president John Anthony Gutierrez praised Etheridge’s lasting contribution to Philippine football, highlighting his influence both on and off the pitch.

“Neil Etheridge helped change the trajectory of Philippine football. 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,” Gutierrez said.

“On behalf of the Philippine Football Federation, we thank Neil for 18 years of extraordinary service. While his national team duty has come to an end, the impact he made on Philippine football will continue to be felt for generations,” he added.

READ: Neil Etheridge reports racist incident during Birmingham’s FA Cup game

Etheridge’s retirement message

Etheridge confirmed his retirement from international football through an Instagram post earlier this week, reflecting on his journey with the national team.

“Love and heartbreak. Passion and desire. I never stopped caring, I always gave everything for the team and the country,” he wrote.

“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.”

Etheridge, who currently plays for Buriram United FC in Thailand, first suited up for the Philippines at age 18 when the national team was still known as the Philippine Azkals.

He went on to earn 82 international caps from 2008 to 2024 and was part of the squad that made history by qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup in 2018.

Etheridge also etched a historic feat as the first Filipino goalkeeper to play in the English Premier League after turning out for Cardiff City.

READ: Gutierrez to private sector: Help PFF build pitches nationwide

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