Midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc: "It's time for me to change"

- Today, October 13, is Nguyen Hoang Duc's last day at The Cong before moving to play for his new team Ninh Binh. How do you feel?

- This morning, I packed my things at the club, feeling very sad and missing my teammates. I have been here since I was a kid, never thought I would have to say goodbye like this. Honestly, I feel a bit regretful. This is a big change in my life.

When I moved to the training clothes, I was very emotional. For years, I had worn them every day. Now moving to another club, wearing different clothes, it would take some time to adapt. I folded those clothes and brought them home, keeping them as a souvenir.

I also remember my room at the center, where I lived since I joined the first team in 2017. Room number 208, the only room in the building that lost its license plate. Every detail in it was so familiar, so full of memories for me.

- After being here for so long, why did you decide to leave?

- To me, The Cong Viettel has always been very special, but it is time for a change. Firstly, the club and I could not find a common voice in renewing the contract. Secondly, I also want to find another environment to continue developing myself. I thought a lot before deciding.

My contract with The Cong actually expires in January 2025, but both sides agreed to part ways early. This is good for everyone. The club confirmed that they have found a replacement and are building the team without me. I will have more time to get used to the new environment.

- What about giving up the V-League to play in the first division?

- I read online, many people said this and that about my transfer to play for a first division team. For me, that is not very important. In Japan or Korea, there are also good players playing in the lower divisions. And especially, Ninh Binh has a clear goal, promising a lot before I came back. They want me to help the team get promoted. Maybe after just one season, I will return to V-League, not playing in the first division forever.

In recent times, Ninh Binh has invested heavily, adding many personnel, including many talented players currently playing in the V-League. The team's goal this season is certainly to win the highest position to be promoted. I am very excited to think about the prospect of contributing to help the team win a place to play in the V-League next season.

- How did the economic story and the large signing fee affect Hoang Duc's decision?

- Not only for players, but for many other professions, finances are very important. Only with good finances can we support our families, take care of our parents, and even help our relatives and loved ones. If we do not consider finances when we are still playing well, it will be very difficult later on. The life of a player, like any other athlete, is very short.

Many people criticize me for money, but I hope everyone understands. If you were in my position, it would be hard for you to refuse. As humans, everyone wants to have a less difficult life for themselves and their families.

- In addition to the story at the club, Hoang Duc is also the current Golden Ball, a pillar of the Vietnam national team. What do you think about the team's lack of good results recently?

- Many people think that my colleagues and I are full of achievements and have good finances so we have lost our motivation. This is completely wrong. Playing for the national team is the duty of every player. Every time we put on the shirt with the national flag, we always feel passionate and give our all. Everyone wants to win on the field, but not everyone can win just because they want to.

In football, ups and downs are normal. Looking at society in general, every job has its difficult moments, nothing goes smoothly forever. I hope the team will quickly overcome the current difficulties, regain its form, and have good results at the AFF Cup 2024 to bring joy to the fans.

- Speaking of AFF Cup 2024, who do you think is the toughest opponent for Vietnam?

- Definitely Indonesia. Recently, they naturalized many players born and raised in the Netherlands, Spain and Belgium, with very good professional quality. This team has really "transformed" and is playing very well in the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup - Asia region. The proof is that they drew with Saudi Arabia, Australia and only missed the victory in the ninth minute of extra time when visiting Bahrain. That will be a very difficult opponent for Vietnam at the 2024 AFF Cup.