PYH retires

On Monday night the local football community was caught by surprise when popular Philippine Azkals member and legend Phil Younghusband announced his retirement from the game at the age of 32.

Taking to social media, Younghusband said he is setting his sights on a “new journey” and was hanging up his boots after more than a decade of parlaying his wares on the field, which started when he was a member of Chelsea FC in the mid-2000s.

He then thanked all those who were part of his football journey, from his coaches, bosses, teammates, competitors and supporters.

Not surprising, when news of his retirement broke out, fans and football stakeholders did not waste time in expressing their gratitude to “No. 10” for what he had done for local football and paid tribute to him.

Admittedly, and funny I must say, my first real introduction to PYH was not on the football pitch but through a singing contest show on GMA, Celebrity Duets.

While I did hear of him playing for the Under-23 and 21 teams of the country, it was in watching the singing show where I got to know him early on.

I remember he was part of the second season of Celebrity Duets, hosted by Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez.

Younghusband went against former Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando, fashion designer JC Buendia, comedian and politician Joey Marquez, beauty queen Carlene Aguilar, chef JL Lang, TV personality Cory Quirino and Miss International 1979, model and actress Melanie Marquez.

In the show, where the contestants had to carry a tune in pair with celebrity partners, Younghusband had the chance to sing with the likes of Aicelle Santos, Jay R, Nyoy Bolante and Jolina Magdangal.

He was the fourth to be eliminated with Fernando eventually winning the contest.

After Celebrity Duets, my steady exposure to Younghusband was largely on the football field where he made his legend no doubt.

He was part of the many standout moments in local football history, including the “Miracle in Hanoi” in 2010 where they reached the semifinals of the AFF Suzuki Cup at the expense of defending champion Vietnam, which was largely credited for the resurgence in appreciation for the sport of football in the country.

Last year, Younghusband provided the winning goal against Tajikistan that earned for the Philippines a first-ever spot in the AFC Asian Cup.

In between the Miracle in Hanoi and the goal against Tajikistan, Younghusband was a steady fixture in the local football scene as a member of the Loyola Meralco Sparks and Davao Aguilas FC which competed in various leagues and tournaments.

He also lent his support in many football-oriented causes, doing them with his trademark warmth and smile.

Fans last saw him on the field in the Asian Cup early this year. And while he came off the bench in each of the three games the Azkals played, it did not matter to him as he went out there and competed.

At the time of his retirement, Younghusband undeniably was one of the best, if not the best, who donned the Philippine colors in football — making 108 international appearances for the national team and scoring 52 goals, both tops in the country’s football all-time history,

More than the records, Younghusband surely made an impression on a lot of people with his professionalism and passion for the game, inspiring many to pick up the “Beautiful Game.”

To PYH, thanks for the service to the country all these years. What a stellar career indeed. Enjoy retirement and all the best on the new journey.