Azkals’ Schröck quits

Stephan Schröck INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine national football team star Stephan Schröck has quit the Azkals, the team announced Monday.

The 27-year-old Schröck, the Filipino-German standout who has played in the German Bundesliga, informed Azkals manager Dan Palami and coach Thomas Dooley of his decision over the weekend.

A statement from the team said that Schröck who was called up for the Philippine Peace Cup next month “resigned” from the Azkals to pursue new challenges.

“We respect his decision,” said Dooley.

“We express our deep gratitude to Schröck for his commitment to the national team in the past and his pivotal contribution in raising awareness for football in the country,” the team statement said. “We wish him all the best in his professional career.

Schröck played 17 times for the Azkals, scoring three goals – all of which came in home games against Kuwait, Cambodia and Pakistan.

He last saw action in the AFC Challenge Cup in the Maldives last May, helping the Azkals reach the finals of the tournament that served as qualifier for the AFC Cup.