MANILA, Philippines – Yanti Bersales, the oldest member of the Philippine Azkals, has decided to retire from international football.
"I've spoken to Dan [Palami, the National Team manager,] about it," Bersales said in a blog written by football enthusiast, Roy Moore.
"At 38, I'm struggling [to keep up with the regular demands of football]," added Bersales, who is also a member of the Philippine Air Force Football Club (PAF-FC).
Bersales made his decision following the PAF-FC's title victory in the United Football League (UFL) on Wednesday.
This means he will not be joining the Azkals when they play against Sri Lanka in the FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The first of the 2-leg qualifier will take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka on June 29.
The 2nd leg will be staged at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on July 3.
Bersales, a staff sergeant in the PAF, is one of several Azkals players from the Philippine military.
Other PAF-FC players who are also members of the National squad are Azkals co-team captain Emilio "Chieffy" Caligdong and Ian Araneta.
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I hope the PFF will organise a farewell game for him, to honor his contribution and dedication to the Philippine Football. He will choose the players for his team and the other team to be chosen by the PFF. We always do that here in Germany. And someone like this guy deserve to be honored and appreciated.
ReplyDeleteEven though I am stationed here in Europe,, I would like to say,, THANK YOU MR BARSALES !!
Well, its about time he retired from international football!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mr. Barsales, for your service to the country -- military and in football.
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