by Ira Pedrasa
MANILA, Philippines - It was the sight of a teary-eyed Neil Etheridge on Sunday that further endeared him to many of his fans.
There was much rejoicing around him especially when his team scored 4 goals to none in a historic finish against the Sri Lanka Red Braves, but the Azkal goalie was not embarrassed to shed tears, both of happiness and of sorrow.
Minutes after the match ended, the Fil-Brit goal keeper immediately changed shirts that bore the words: “Rest in Peace, Granddad.”
The shirt also showed a picture of him and his English grandfather, who died weeks ago. Across his back, was printed “You will always be remembered.”
In a text message, Azkals administration manager Jojo Rodriguez said Etheridge’s grand father, whom he had a close relationship with, died weeks ago before their training camp in Germany.
Etheridge, known for his defense tactics in the goal post, then had to cut practice and go home in England for a couple of days.
Azkals coach Michael Weiss explained Etheridge could not anymore keep his emotions intact, crying profusely before flashing cameras.
In his Twitter account, Etheridge said: “Great Win! 4-0 Thank you for my family, mum and dad coming all the way to watch me and R.I.P Grandad, that game was for you!”
Later during their victory party, Etheridge explained he offered the game in memory of his grandfather.
“You can really get emotional about it…It helped that my parents were here as well,” he added.
MANILA, Philippines - It was the sight of a teary-eyed Neil Etheridge on Sunday that further endeared him to many of his fans.
There was much rejoicing around him especially when his team scored 4 goals to none in a historic finish against the Sri Lanka Red Braves, but the Azkal goalie was not embarrassed to shed tears, both of happiness and of sorrow.
Minutes after the match ended, the Fil-Brit goal keeper immediately changed shirts that bore the words: “Rest in Peace, Granddad.”The shirt also showed a picture of him and his English grandfather, who died weeks ago. Across his back, was printed “You will always be remembered.”
In a text message, Azkals administration manager Jojo Rodriguez said Etheridge’s grand father, whom he had a close relationship with, died weeks ago before their training camp in Germany.
Etheridge, known for his defense tactics in the goal post, then had to cut practice and go home in England for a couple of days.
Azkals coach Michael Weiss explained Etheridge could not anymore keep his emotions intact, crying profusely before flashing cameras.
In his Twitter account, Etheridge said: “Great Win! 4-0 Thank you for my family, mum and dad coming all the way to watch me and R.I.P Grandad, that game was for you!”
Later during their victory party, Etheridge explained he offered the game in memory of his grandfather.
“You can really get emotional about it…It helped that my parents were here as well,” he added.
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