Yrick Gallantes: Playing for flag and country 'the best feeling ever'

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Gallantes and the AzkalsU22 at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. Photo: Yrick Gallantes


The Filipino-born Hibernian midfielder says that  playing for  flag and country is “the best feeling ever.” Yrick Gallantes played at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and knows exactly how it feels playing in front of thousands of Filipino spectators. 

Gallantes started his football career in the Hibernian Academy and made his debut for the Hibs developmental team at the age of 15-years old. It was also at Hibs where he would meet Azkals goalkeeping coach Steve Marsella. "Coach Marsella used to be in my club and I think they may have seen some of my games too," Gallantes told KICK OFF PH.  

                                                            
Yrick Gallantes playing for  Hibernian FC Reserves

The Hibs youngster admits that he "didn't really expect that football was  big in the Philippines" but the SEA games experience was an eye opener for him. "The football community is not established yet, but the amount of love and support you get from all the Filipinos is unbelievable." 


Gallantes started all matches for the U22 Azkals at the SEA games. He looked dangerous on the field dribbling past defenders, attacking and creating chances for the team. He was involved in the last minute goal against Cambodia setting up teammate Dennis Chung for an equalizer.

                                            
Gallantes at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games

After four games, the U22 Azkals finished third in group A behind Myanmar and Cambodia, failing again to reach the semifinal round for 14th straight time. The last time the national team made it to the semifinal round was in 1991 when the Philippines hosted the biennial tournament.
 
Gallantes kept his head high despite failing to get past the group stage. "Quality wise, the U22 Azkals are technically very good. I think it's just getting the experience that is needed," said the 19 - year old Azkal who made his senior debut in a 4-1 win against Guam last September 2019 for the joint 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

The Azkals bowed out of the tournament but those were the games Gallantes felt the Filipino booters won no matter the result. These young breed of Azkals won the heart of Filipino fans. 

"I love that everyone comes together to support us in any way they can," said Gallantes. "The fans at the SEA games was something else. I couldn't believe it gave me butterflies but it was amazing as it felt like they were behind us and supporting us all the way."

Gallantes shared that the support from his family and from the fans gave him added motivation during the course of the tournament. "I just want to make them proud and help in any way possible." 

"Playing for my country and making my family proud is the best feeling ever."  













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