Azkals head coach Thomas Dooley (L) and team captain Juani Guirado discusses their March 29 match against Korea.
Juani Guirado will leave the Philippine Azkals after playing four years for the national football team.
He announced his retirement Monday during the Azkals’ pre-match press conference against North Korea at Century Hotel.
“Tomorrow will be my last game in the national team,” the 36-year-old defender said. “I feel myself as still a young person, but my body is not anymore.
“We have a busy schedule with our club and here in Azkals.”
Guirado is part of the Ceres club in the United Football League.
“I have to focus on my team and my family,” Guirado said. “This has been the most beautiful experience of my life as a person and a footballer.”
Guirado thanked his wife Andrea for always supporting him and his coaches in the Philippine team, Hans Michael Weiss and Thomas Dooley, for always believing in him.
“I’m proud to be a Filipino and Laban Pilipinas.” JE