Former Azkals captain Rob Gier retires

By Paolo Del Rosario, CNN Philippines

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Former Philippine Azkals captain Rob Gier has decided to finally hang up his boots.
The 35-year-old Filipino defender took to social media on Wednesday (February 17) to announce his retirement and to voice his appreciation for those who contributed to his career.

Gier made his debut for the Philippines in an AFC Challenge Cup qualification fixture against Bhutan on April 14, 2009. The Azkals won 1-0 through Chad Gould.
In 2010, Gier was part of the Philippine side that scored a shock 2-0 victory over Vietnam in the Suzuki Cup to help propel the popularity of the sport in the country.
The robust defender was named captain of the national side after his predecessor Chieffy Caligdong retired in November 2014.
But as Gier’s role in the team diminished with the emergence of younger defenders, the captain’s armband was eventually passed on to Phil Younghusband.
After seven years with the Azkals, Gier retired boasting over 60 appearances and two goals for the national team.
At the domestic level, Gier suited up for Wimbledon, Rushden & Diamonds, Cambridge United, Woking, Aldershot Town, Grays Athletic, and Ascot United in career that has spanned 16 years.

http://cnnphilippines.com/sports/2016/02/17/Azkals-captain-Rob-Gier-retires.html