June Mar Fajardo bids Gilas goodbye: ‘I gave everything I had’

Gilas Pilipinas center June Mar Fajardo looks on during his final game for the national team that ended with the Philippines beating Iran in the fourth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–June Mar Fajardo took to social media on Monday to formalize his retirement from the national team.

The 36-year-old center played his final game for Gilas Pilipinas in the fourth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers, helping the Philippines beat Iran in the fourth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Sunday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

“After many years of wearing our country’s colors, the time has come for me to officially retire from the Gilas National Team,” Fajardo said on social media as he wrapped up his Gilas duties after 13 years.

“Representing my country has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Every time I put on that PILIPINAS jersey, I knew I was playing for something much bigger than myself, for my family, my teammates, the people who believed in me, and everyone who supported us through every win and every loss.”

READ: June Mar Fajardo sparks Gilas Pilipinas win in his ‘last game’

June Mar Fajardo holds up the game ball as he says goodbye to the crowd after playing his final game for Gilas Pilipinas–a 68-56 win over Iran in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers–on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Fajardo had hinted before the window that he planned to retire, given his age and health. The nine-time PBA Most Valuable Player had been a regular fixture of Gilas since 2013, appearing in three World Cups while also being part of the team that won the Asian Games gold in 2023.

His finale against Iran didn’t end without him being part of the second-quarter comeback before finishing the night with six points and two rebounds.

Fajardo was the last player from the 2014 Fiba World Cup team to be on active national team duty before his international retirement.

READ: Gilas Pilipinas dedicates win over Iran to retiring June Mar Fajardo

“There were unforgettable victories and painful defeats, but through all of them, I gave everything I had every time I stepped on the court,” said Fajardo, who also thanked all teammates and coaches, and the fans throughout his journey.

“I may be retiring from the Gilas National Team, but the pride of representing my country will never leave me. The PILIPINAS jersey may come off for the final time, but everything it represents will always be a part of who I am. Thank you for the honor! Thank you for the memories! Thank you for the journey! I am forever grateful, forever proud!”