He’s been suiting up since 2011.
How does it feel to represent your flag on the pitch time and time again?
For real ones like Patrick Reichelt of the Philippine men’s football team, being handed such huge responsibility is never a burden.
Playing in his 81st cap for the Azkals last Tuesday, the 35-year-old winger made it count, as he scored the lone goal for the Philippines before eventually settling for a 1-1 draw with Indonesia in the second round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Although the Azkals didn’t get the W at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, Reichelt was still thankful, knowing he had another chance to be of service to the nation.
“I appreciate and I’m happy for any opportunity to represent the country. For the past 11 years, I feel very blessed to play for the Philippines, to have made it to 81 games” Reichelt said in the postgame press conference, as shared by Radyo Pilipinas 2 Sports' Aaron Bayato.
“Coach (Michael) Weiss has been there from the start, helped me get into the team, and mentored me. To still be here (with him), it’s like full circle with him,” he elaborated.
Reichelt may have already come full circle with the Azkals but he assured that he’s not yet done answering call-ups from the national squad.
“As long as they choose me to be here, I’ll be happy and proud. As far as this journey goes, I’ll be there,” the Filipino-German booter declared.
As for the stalemate with the lower-ranked Indonesia, Reichelt expressed his frustration but ultimately decided to focus on the big picture.
“Right now, I’m just disappointed. (But) time will come when we can look back and see that we did well, compared to what happened the last 20 years,” he explained.
“People do not see what happens behind the scenes. The group and the chemistry we have now are totally different. We just have to sleep on it and the time will come when we can take the positives,” Reichelt said.
ALSO READ: Missed chances: Michael Weiss, Neil Etheridge don't hold back on Azkals’ 'joke' draw with Indonesia
For sure, he will be itching to rejoin the Azkals in March for the next window, where they are slated to face Iraq.
(PM)