Football

Nguyễn Quang Hải will not extend his contract with Hà Nội FC, as he looks to play for a club abroad. Photo of Hà Nội FC

HÀ NỘI — The golden boy of Vietnamese football will leave his current club Hà Nội FC next month.

Nguyễn Quang Hải will become a free agent when his contract expires on April 12, sparking a race for his signature.

Recent meetings between the club and his representatives failed to reach an agreement for the attacking midfielder to stay with the capital team.

In a statement on their website, Hà Nội FC said: “Every journey must come to an end. One door closes, another will open.

“It is a regret that we will not have Nguyễn Quang Hải's services but it is also an opportunity for Hà Nội FC to show our consistency in operations and sustainable development.

“Football is a team sport and a team's solidarity is the key. We will do our best and are determined to bring more victories to serve supporters' demand.

“We wish Nguyễn Quang Hải all the best both in his life and in his career.

“Hà Nội FC will be his home forever, our players, coaches and supporters are his family. Hàng Đẫy Stadium will always welcome him back any time."

At least 10 clubs have expressed an interest in signing the Vietnamese international, who will turn 25 the day his contract expires.

Four teams in Europe have made contact over his availability, as well clubs in Asia and the US.  

Hà Nội FC executive director Nguyễn Quốc Tuấn said: "Quang Hải has been a professional player and an important member of our team.

“We really wanted Hải to continue serving the club but we would never stand in the way of a player who wants to further develop their career.”

Hải and teammates are currently preparing for the 2022 World Cup match against Oman at the Mỹ Đình Stadium on March 24.

He will have two matches for Hà Nội FC before his contract ends.

The first game is a visit to Viettel on April 4 in the V.League and the second one at home against the People's Police team in the National Cup's qualification on April 7.

Hà Nội plan to hold a ceremony to say goodbye Hải, one of their most important players in history.

Hải joined Hà Nội's training centre in 2006 when he was nine. He has played 126 matches for the team in V-League 1 and scored 35 goals. He bagged three national championship trophies in 2016, 2018 and 2019; two National Cups in 2019 and 2020; and three National Super Cup titles in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Hải won a Golden Ball for the MVP of 2018, and was voted best ASEAN player of 2019. — VNS