Cong Phuong returns to Vietnam to find his smile again

Since September 16, Cong Phuong has officially become a free agent, ending 2 years in Japan filled with only low notes of the player once dubbed "Vietnamese Messi". Remember, after the end of V-League 2022, with the support of Mr. Duc, Cong Phuong had great expectations to return to Japan with a long-term contract with Yokohama FC playing in J-League 1. To the point that he accepted to be absent from the AFF Cup 2022, to focus on integrating and getting used to the new environment. After 9 months, even when his close friend Van Toan gave up his dream of going abroad to return to Vietnam to win the V-League with Nam Dinh Club, becoming the core of the Vietnamese national team, Cong Phuong still stayed in Japan. He hopes that when Yokohama FC is relegated to J-League 2, saying goodbye to many stars, he will have more opportunities to compete for a position.

Cong Phuong (right) scored against the Palestine team in September 2023

However, after 2 seasons of persistent efforts, all the opportunities given to the 1995-born boy were only 3 appearances in the secondary front of the Emperor's Cup. That harsh reality greatly influenced Cong Phuong's decision to return to Vietnam. He needed to find the joy of playing football again, regain his confidence and the feeling of being respected on the field. In addition, returning home at this time would help Cong Phuong regain his form, paving the way back to the Vietnam national team. Like his predecessor Philippe Troussier, coach Kim Sang-sik affirmed that the national team is not a charity house, does not look at names, is only for the most deserving players, who are in the best form.

Unfortunately, Cong Phuong's departure from the Japanese club took place at a time when the 2024-2025 V-League had already started, and clubs could not add domestic players (except for 3 foreign players in the first 3 rounds). The most feasible choice for "Mr. Duc's darling" was in the first division, with the clear target being Phu Dong Ninh Binh Club.

Cong Phuong's future is what the audience is interested in.

LPBank Chairman Nguyen Duc Thuy is planning to invest heavily in his hometown team, with the goal of bringing the ancient capital's football back to the top of the V-League once again. At this time, head coach Nguyen Viet Thang and assistant Le Phuoc Tu have a fairly strong squad with players from the Vietnam national team and U.23 Vietnam such as Van Lam, Thanh Binh, Thanh Thinh, Van Thuan, Duc Viet, Van Thanh... Joining a team with an environment like a miniature national team in Phu Dong Ninh Binh (playing a friendly match to draw 2-2 with the reigning V-League champion Nam Dinh) will help Cong Phuong quickly regain his emotions and joy in playing football.

Of course, Cong Phuong cannot play for free. He will receive a very generous treatment, with a 3-year contract with a signing bonus and a fixed salary not inferior to Van Lam and Hoang Duc (6.8 billion VND/year and 68 million VND/month) in accordance with the spirit of "fortune and prosperity" of LPBank.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cong-phuong-ve-viet-nam-de-tim-lai-nu-cuoi-185240916195656379.htm