The Germany-born midfielder played 61 times for the Philippines, including leading the nation to the finals of the AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates in 2019, the first time the country had qualified for the continental championship.
“Today, I announce my retirement from professional football,” Schrock wrote in a post on social media. “Thank you to my amazing mother, who kickstarted this football journey, and to my incredible wife, the true backbone of my success.
“Massive thanks also to all my coaches and teammates, you made my career unique.
“It’s been one hell of a wild ride. From humble beginnings in a social welfare house, wearing second-hand shoes, to representing both the German and Philippines national teams.
“From cage football and facing endless doubters to winning titles in Europe and Asia-the buzz has been unreal! I’m forever grateful for every moment.
“Here’s to new ventures and new beginnings as I kickstart a new adventure.”
Schrock’s announcement brings down the curtain on an eventful 20-year career for the talented midfielder.
He first played for the Philippines against Sri Lanka in June 2011 having previously represented Germany at age group level and he was a key member of the squad that reached the final of the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup in the Maldives.
Schrock had represented Germany at under 18, under 19 and under 20 level while starting his club career with Greuther Furth in 2004 before stints with 1899 Hoffenheim and Eintracht Frankfurt. He returned to Greuther Furth in 2014.
In 2016 he moved to the Philippines, initially joining Ceres on loan, before spending five seasons with the club that as it was renamed United City and where he won four consecutive Philippines Football League titles from 2017.
Schrock also featured for the club in the AFC Champions League Group Stage in 2021, scoring their first goal in the continental competition against Beijing Guoan.
The midfielder remained an important player for the Philippines national team as he entered the later stages of his career, scoring their only goal of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in a 3-1 loss against Kyrgyz Republic.
