How would you rephrase Philip's statement about his retirement surprise?

The choice that best captures the essence of Philip's statement about his retirement surprise is that his decision to retire came unexpectedly. This phrasing emphasizes the abruptness or lack of anticipation surrounding his retirement, indicating that it was a surprising choice for him. It focuses on the element of his decision-making, suggesting that the retirement itself was not something people saw coming, which effectively conveys the idea of surprise.

The other options narrow the focus to other aspects, such as the reaction of friends or the general public. For instance, stating that his retirement was a surprise for everyone implies widespread surprise but doesn't directly address the nature of his decision. Similarly, mentioning that his friends were surprised could mislead readers into thinking that only his friends were affected, rather than suggesting that the surprise was related to his own decision. Describing it as a shock to his friends also suggests an emotional reaction rather than the unexpected nature of his decision itself. Hence, the best choice remains the one that centers on the surprise aspect linked to Philip's own decision to retire.