Yorke salutes Soca Warriors fans

The Soca Warriors, who were grouped with England, Sweden and Paraguay in Group “B”, failed to advance to the Second Round, which started on Saturday.

Yorke spoke during a reception for the squad at Piarco International Airport on Thursday night when they returned from Germany after ending their three-match campaign.

“It’s a very exciting moment for our people, for our country and it’s a very proud moment for all of us,” said the 33-year-old Sydney FC midfielder.

Yorke came out of retirement to captain the team during the CONCACAF Final Round qualification.

“It has really been a long journey for us and which has been memorable, not just for the players but for the people of our country,” said the Tobago-born former Manchester United striker.

Yorke, who shifted from the role of striker to midfielder since joining Sydney nearly two years ago, pointed out that, on behalf of the team he wanted to thank the people for their appreciation of the smallest nation in the world to compete at such a high standard.

“I’ve been very fortunate along the way to win things, to play for a great club called Manchester United but I can assure you that it gives me no greater pleasure to captain my country,” Yorke said.

And while he has hinted that this tournament may be his last at the international level, he made it clear that he was disappointed that the team failed to advance to the final 16 knockout phase.

“However,” he said, “I’ve seen a team of 24 players that showed the world what a little nation like Trinidad and Tobago is all about.

“I want to thank everybody for their hospitality, their support, and this is just a wonderful occasion which we’ll all remember for the rest of our lives,” he said.