Star midfielder set to depart Vietnam for Europe

After Hanoi FC’s V. League game Wednesday, Hai, who scored the winning goal, discussed his future with club owner Do Quang Hien.

The 25-year-old midfielder said that he wants to play football outside of Vietnam for a year. He admitted that there were many Vietnamese players who tried to play football abroad but failed. However, he’s not afraid of failure and wants a fresh start. Hai also expressed the desire to return to Hanoi after his spell in Europe.

This is the first time that Hai spoke to Hien directly about his contract. In previous meetings, he worked with Hien’s son Do Vinh Quang, who is also the club president.

Hai’s contract with Hanoi will expire on April 12. He would only accept an extension if the club let him play in Europe on loan this year. Quang hasn’t approved this proposal.

In 2019, Hanoi let right-back Doan Van Hau go to Dutch club SC Heerenveen on loan for a year.

Another source confirmed to VnExpress that everything was decided and Hai would only play two more games for Hanoi this season.

A product of Hanoi’s youth academy, Hai has won every possible domestic title with the club, along with the 2018 Vietnam Golden Ball. He promised not to join any other club in Vietnam after leaving Hanoi. Earlier this week, a V. League club offered Hai a contract with great incentives and salary, but he turned it down.