Its over: Chieffy Caligdong retires from the Azkals

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On Wednesday night the news filtered out that Emelio, “Chieffy” Caligdong, has called time on a glittering international career with the Azkals.

After Azkals staffer Patrick Ace Bright posted an Instagram photo that announced the retirement, Caligdong confirmed on Wednesday night over the phone that he had indeed ended his days with the Philippine Men’s National Football Team. His glorious career spanned over a decade and saw him score sixteen international goals for the Philippines, many of them spectacular, important tallies. His goal haul is second only to Phil Younghusband’s 39 strikes for the country.

“Hindi ako injured ngayon pero mahirap na maghabol sa fitness (for the Suzuki Cup),” explained the Barotac Nuevo-born winger who plays with Green Archers United Globe now but made a name for himself as a multiple champion with Philippine Air Force FC.

The left winger, who turned 32 in September, was beset by injuries this year that caused him to miss plenty of action with the national team. He missed the AFC Challenge Cup with a broken foot. Caligdong trained with the national team in the lead up to the Peace Cup, but another injury in training scuppered another comeback in that competition.

“Sana maintindihan ng fans. Alam kong maraming players diyan na mas magaling sa akin at malalampasan ang naabot ko,” said Caligdong on Wednesday.

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“Last month pa ako nag-decide,” admitted Caligdong. “It’s my personal decision. Gusto ko ng desisyon na komportable sa akin at komportable sa team.”

Caligdong may never wear an Azkals shirt again, but he will continue playing for the Archers in the UFL.

Chieffy informed the national team of his decision early, but he was still part of the initial 35-man pool released recently for the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup.

“I’m very happy na naging part ako ng national team,” said Caligdong, who sounded buoyant and at peace with his decision over the phone.

“Masaya ako na naging part ito ng buhay ako at naging magandang example ako sa mga kabataan as a local Pinoy player.”

Caligdong also expressed regret that he was unable to play for current Azkals boss Thomas Dooley because of the recent injuries.

“Na-wrong-timing lang siguro ang landas namin. Hindi siguro kami para sa isa’t-isa. But I’m happy na dumating siya sa team.”

At least one Azkal has already tweeted his feelings about Caligdong’s exit. James Younghusband gave him credit for helping him fit in with the side nine years ago.

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It was the year before that, in 2004, that Caligdong first burst into prominence in Philippine football. Trailing Timor Leste 1-0 in an AFF championship match in Kuala Lumpur, (the event was the Tiger Cup back then), coach Aris Caslib inserted Caligdong as an impact substitute. His two goals gave the Philippines a 2-1 win, their first-ever in AFF Championship play.

But Chieffy found national fame in February of 2011 when he lifted tens of thousands of fans in Bacolod’s Panaad stadium off their seats with a jaw-dropping chest-control, flick, and volley-nutmeg strike past Mongolian goalie Ganbayar Tseveensuren just before the half. The Azkals won that match 2-0.

Another memorable strike was his right-footed goal against Sri Lanka in Rizal Memorial stadium later in that year that ignited a 4-0 rout that propelled the Philippines into the next round of World Cup qualifying. Chieffy started out as a lefty but eventually developed into a player who could score with either foot.

Chieffy’s final great Azkals moment came in the Suzuki Cup of 2012. Once again, as he did in 2004, he reprised his role as super sub in a goalless game against Vietnam in Bangkok’s Rajamangala stadium, collecting a pass from Angel Guirado and booting past the keeper for the only goal of the match, reviving a flagging campaign and helping tow the Azkals into the semifinals.

The Philippines has only ever won four matches in the AFF Championship, and Caligdong scored the game-winner in two of them.

Caligdong was a hero for Air Force too, as they won the league and cup double in 2011. When he shifted to Green Archers he continued to score game-winners, like his extra-time goal, the only one of the game, against Pachanga in the quarters of the 2012-2013 Smart-PFF national championship. It was a similar story when he blasted home a late winner against Ceres in the 2013 UFL Cup.

“Chieffy was technically gifted player who loved going up against bigger, stronger players, often making them look stupid,” said former Azkals coach Simon McMenemy, now coach of Loyola.

“It was a pleasure to have coached him,” continued McMenemy, “but I think he taught me more about being Filipino than I taught him about football.”

“He could turn on a sixpence,” said commentator and ex-U21 international Darren Hartmann once.

Caligdong recently completed a “C” license coaching course in his hometown of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo. He will coach Green Archers United youth teams, and says he hopes to break into youth national teams as an assistant coach soon.

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At halftime of Friday’s Azkal game against Cambodia, Caligdong will be feted in a special ceremony honoring his remarkable achievements for the team. PFF president Nonong Araneta and General Secretary Ed Gastanes will preside. It should be a very emotional moment for everyone at Rizal Memorial.

But in parting, Calidgong has one last request for the new crop of young Azkals.

“Sana magbigay sila ng 100% para sa karangalan ng bansa. Yun lang ang gusto kong iparating sa kanila.”

Follow Bob Guerrero on Twitter @PassionateFanPH.