Vietnam midfielder can do well in France: French-Algerian defender

Zarour said that on the basis of football skills, Quang Hai has what it takes to play for Pau FC.

“It’s obvious because Hai is good at football,” he said.

Hai is no stranger to Zarour. The two played against each other in V. League games from 2016 to 2019. Then, Zarour was playing for Khanh Hoa while Hai was still with Hanoi FC.

Zarour started his career at Cannes in France’s third division and moved to Dijon in Ligue 2 for the 2009-2010 season. Zarour was the mainstay of Dijon’s promotion to Ligue 1 in the 2011-2012 season. Later, he moved to the lower divisions.

After playing for Khanh Hoa, the 39-year-old midfielder returned to France to play in the semi-professional leagues.

Zarour understands Quang Hai’s challenges when playing in a new environment, with a different language, culture and football philosophy.

“The biggest challenge for Quang Hai is not physical strength, technique or speed, but the ability to adapt to a new environment. He’ll have to work hard, and eventually, he’ll get the results there,” Zarour said.

Hai joined Pau FC after passing medical on Wednesday and signed a two-year contract with an option to extend it for another year.