Filipino-Danish goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard started setting his sights on representing his mother’s country as early as six years ago.
But club commitments in Denmark denied the former Denmark Under-20 standout the chance of coming over to Manila as he fought to keep his spot in the squad.
And while his family made it a point to take vacations in the Philippines every year, Falkesgaard, now 26, stayed behind for preseason training.
“The timing wasn’t always the best with regards to coming to the Philippines,” said the 6-foot-3 Falkesgaard, who learned of his eligibility to represent the Philippines through Dennis Cagara and Jerry Lucena, two Filipino internationals with Danish lineage.
At that time, the Azkals were also enjoying depth in the goalkeeping position with Neil Etheridge, Roland Muller and Patrick Deyto alternating at the spot. But with Muller retiring last year, Falkesgaard, who traces his roots in Roxas City, emerged as another strong option for the position.
The stars finally aligned for Falkesgaard this year as he completed a transfer from Danish club FC Midtjylland to Thai Premier League side Bangkok United in January.
Falkesgaard was signed to fill the Southeast Asian player quota, which the Thai and Malaysian leagues implemented this year.
What was a long flight from Europe is now a three and a half hour journey from Bangkok to Manila—something that Falkesgaard welcomed.
“I’m just glad I made the move to Thailand because it’s easier for me to come and play for the Azkals,” said Falkesgaard, who could play a big role for the Azkals in the AFF Suzuki Cup late this year in the event that Etheridge won’t be released by his club.
Falkesgaard is determined to make an impact on the Azkals, although he would have to battle for that starting position with Etheridge and Deyto. Etheridge is in the form of his life, as he has been instrumental in Cardiff City’s push for promotion to the English Premier League, while Deyto has been reliable when needed.
“My expectation is to win every game,” said Falkesgaard, who was expected to start against Fiji in a friendly Thursday night.