Hoàng Vũ Samson is the best scorer in the V.League 1 history with 192 goals. – Photo thanhnien.vn

If Hoàng Vũ Samson didn’t pursue a football career he wouldn’t have too many concerns in life, as he comes from a well-to-do family in Nigeria. But his love for football ended up bringing him to Việt Nam.

The naturalised 31-year-old striker is the top scorer in V.League 1 history, with 192 goals.

His 13 years in the league include stints at Quảng Ninh Coal, Đồng Tháp, Hà Nội, Quảng Nam, and now Thanh Hóa.

Samson helped Hà Nội triumph in V.League 1 in 2013, 2016, 2018, and 2019. He spoke with Thanh Nga.

Inner Sanctum: How do you feel about being the top scorer in V.League 1 history?

I feel very happy about it and want to devote myself further to Vietnamese football. I am proud that no one else is near my record.

Inner Sanctum: Apart from natural talent, what other factors do you think are behind your success in Việt Nam?

I think determination and hard work with my teammates and coaches are a large part of my success.

Inner Sanctum: What are your thoughts about Vietnamese football?

It’s getting stronger and stronger every season, which encourages more fans to come and watch it live.

Inner Sanctum: You have been around football since you were ten years old. Why did you want to be a professional footballer?

I was born in 1988 in Kaduna, in northern Nigeria. I knew how to play football when I was ten and often played with my friends at school and at home. We loved football so much. I then started to think being a professional was a good idea.

My father is an electrical engineer at Nigeria’s national TV station, and my mother is a university lecturer of technology in Kaduna. At first my mother didn’t want me playing football, and wanted me to study instead. But my father always supported me with football when I was at school.

I played in the Nigerian Professional Football League before coming to Việt Nam.

Hoàng Vũ Samson (front) seen in a recent match of V.League 1. – Photo sport5.vn

Inner Sanctum: When did you come to Việt Nam and why?

I came here in 2007 to show off my talent, and this was the first Asian country I visited.

I initially played for Quảng Ninh Coal, in 2008, which was a first division team at the time. I scored 16 of their 25 goals in V.League 2 in 2008 and was one of the top scorers in the league.

I joined Đồng Tháp in 2009 and played in V.League 1. Together with my foreign teammates Timothy Anjembeor and Ekpe Aniekan Okon, I created a “fever” in Vietnamese football. In my three years at Đồng Tháp I helped turn it into a competitive team in Việt Nam’s top league.

Inner Sanctum: What memories do you cherish after playing at all those clubs? Which one did you enjoy playing for the most?

Wow! That’s an interesting question. All are great clubs and I’ll never forget my time with them. They all played a very important role in my life. So I can truly say I enjoyed them all.

Inner Sanctum: After joining Thanh Hóa early this season, you have scored three goals and the team is in eighth spot. What can you tell us about the club?

Thanh Hóa are a good team with special talent. What I will say is "Watch out, surprises are coming!"

Inner Sanctum: During your time in Việt Nam you were invited twice to play for two clubs overseas - Atletico Madrid from Spain in 2011 and Buriram United from Thailand in 2017. What happened with that?

Those opportunities came my way because I deserved it. Both teams are very professional and have great facilities.

Inner Sanctum: Are you sorry not to be playing in Europe?

I don’t feel sorry because everybody has their own destiny. I may still have the chance to play in Europe one day. Nobody knows what the future holds.

Inner Sanctum: Why did you decide to become a Vietnamese citizen?

I decided to become naturalised because I wanted to have the chance to play in the national team and also because I really do love this country.

Inner Sanctum: After more than a decade in Việt Nam and having won fame and fortune, is the dream of wearing the Việt Nam shirt the only goal left in your career?

I am living a good life as a professional footballer. Playing for the national team would not be the last thing I do, but creating history by playing in the World Cup for Việt Nam would be wonderful.

Inner Sanctum: Can you tell us a little bit about your family in Nigeria?

My family in Nigeria pray for me and support me in everything I do. They will come to Việt Nam to visit as soon as they can.

Inner Sanctum: How do you feel about Việt Nam?

Việt Nam is a special country that’s always fun and happy. The people are very friendly. And the food is healthy. Việt Nam has won a place in my heart.

Inner Sanctum: Can you run through your career in Việt Nam for us?

My playing days with Hà Nội FC were the most significant. We won the national league in 2013, 2016, 2018, and 2019, and were runners-up in 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015.

I also helped Hà Nội win the Vietnamese Super Cup in 2018 and 2019 and be runners-up in 2013, 2015, and 2016.

We won the Vietnamese National Cup last year and finished second in 2012, 2015 and 2016. In 2013 and 2014 I was the leading goal scorer in V.League 1. - VNS