MANILA – Filipino-English footballer James Younghusband was supposed to hang his boots at the end of the year, but the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced him to retire earlier.
James, older brother of Philippine Azkals top scorer Phil, said during the CPT Crossover podcast of Bacolodnon Cedelf Tupas on Wednesday that he planned on playing with Ceres-Negros FC this year before ending his journey.
“My plan was to finish the whole 2020 season with Ceres. But due to the recent pandemic and the situation, football was put on hold, especially here. I felt it was time to announce (retirement). I decided to end it earlier,” James shared.
“During this time, you have a lot of time to think and evaluate yourself in your life. My brother has gone to another chapter and has started a family. I felt like there are other things in life that I want to experience,” he added.
James announced his formal retirement on his social media accounts on June 25.
According to James, serving the Azkals, winning the Philippines Football League and the Copa Paulino Alcantara trophies with Ceres and playing for the Negrense football club in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup were the best moments of his career.
“Winning the double last year and getting a chance to play in the AFC and in the AFC Cup, it felt it was a nice way to end it. But of course, it would have been nice to finish the year,” said James.
“It’s a new chapter. It’s now time to start pursuing a possibility in coaching and learning about coaching. I’d like to travel to different countries and (to learn) different cultures and philosophies as well,” he added.
James first played professional football in 2005 when he signed for English football club AFC Wimbledon. He also made his first national team appearance the same year.
The Younghusbands then moved to the Philippines as they became mainstays for the Azkals.
James ended his international career with 12 goals in 101 appearances./PN
