Football

Vietnamese striker Nguyễn Công Phượng will play for Japan's Yokohama FC for the next three years. Photo of Yokohama FC

HÀ NỘI — Vietnamese striker Nguyễn Công Phượng has signed a contract with Japan's J.League 1 side Yokohama FC, marking his fourth time playing abroad.

Phượng ended his deal with national former champion Hoàng Anh Gia Lai FC this month and decided to make a move which is believed to bolster his career after failing three previous times.

"It’s a great feeling to have joined Yokohama FC. This is a new chapter for me, a new league with new teammates and a new challenge but I am ready to play my part in bringing success to the club," Phượng posted on his Facebook page. "I will give my best effort every time I pull on the Yokohama FC shirt. Please support the team in our upcoming games. See you soon!"

The talented player will play in Japan for three years.

The 27-year-old also said 'Thanks' to his coaches and teammates, especially Đoàn Nguyên Đức, owner of Hoàng Anh Gia Lai, for helping and supporting him since he was a little boy at the club.

He appreciated supporters who strongly encouraged him on and off the field. He said his 15-year stint with Hoàng Anh Gia Lai was his happy period and he would always respect it.

Hours after the club's post about 'Messi Việt Nam', more than 4,600 likes, shares and comments were made, a huge interaction with fans.

Striker Nguyễn Công Phượng is one of the best known players of Hoàng Anh Gia Lai and the national team of Việt Nam. Photo of Hoàng Anh Gia Lai FC

Phượng was recruited to Hoàng Anh Gia Lai in 2007 at the age of 12. He was promoted to the first team in 2015. He has played 108 matches and scored 38 goals. He also took part in the AFC Champion League 2022 and made up two assists in the club's four goals.

The talented player is one of the regular faces of the national squads. He has capped the national team 54 times and scored 11 goals.

Previously, Phượng played in on-loan contracts for Mito Hollyhock (J-League 2) in 2016, Incheon United (K-League 1) in 2019 and Sint-Truiden (Belgian Pro League) but did not make impressive performances. VNS