Ho Phuc Tinh Lake - the sleeping trickster!

(Baonghean.vn) - "Cuoi," please allow me to call you by that name, the name your friends always call you when they tease each other.

My dear, I understand you're going through a difficult time in your career, constantly finding yourself on the bench. The burning desire of a 22-year-old to prove himself is always suppressed on the sidelines. I know you don't blame Truong for rarely giving you opportunities to show your abilities; you're sad because of the injuries that have plagued you for the past few years, injuries that have caused you to miss opportunities to shine.

After a period of injury, Ho Phuc Tinh returned, but he was deployed on the right wing, which is not his preferred position, so he hasn't been truly effective.

And deep down in the heart of this 22-year-old man, he always wanted to do everything for his beloved team. I understand, because I've been through similar times myself.

My dear, I'm sure you watch the English Premier League regularly, right? In that league, you probably know the name Vardy of Leicester City, who is making waves. He's truly a late bloomer, as the football world discovered him at an age when many players are already thinking about retirement.

Vardy played for many small, relatively unknown clubs in mediocre leagues, even those close to amateur football in England. No one believed that Vardy's name would one day shine so brightly, except for the striker's own unwavering belief. His belief never faded, his desire never diminished, and his relentless effort led Vardy's life to a new chapter.

Today, Leicester City are getting closer to winning the Premier League, and Vardy has a chance to become the league's top scorer (currently with 22 goals, two behind Tottenham's Harry Kane). But even if neither of those things come true, Vardy will still earn everyone's admiration. Vardy's name will not only appear on Wikipedia as a football player, but also as an example of relentless striving for success.

Phuc Tinh, the brief story I told you about Vardy is also a message and a belief I have in you. If you're still hesitant because of the story I told about someone who's far away in Europe, then look at the examples of Nguyen Minh Duc and Nguyen Quang Tinh right next to you and follow them. Duc and Tinh are players who have suffered from debilitating injuries, and if they hadn't worked hard, they would have left top-level football a long time ago.

I've known you for quite a while, since 2010 when you were part of the SLNA U17 team that participated in the finals in Da Nang. I still remember the combinations between you and Vo Ngoc Toan in the U19 tournaments. I can't forget the goal you scored against HN.T&T U21 in the U21 finals, held at Lach Tray (Hai Phong) in 2013, which narrowed the score to 1-2 for our team.

He was so thrilled he got goosebumps when you and the SLNA U21 team won the championship, and you also won the "top scorer" title in that 2014 tournament. He felt sorry for you because of the injury you suffered, which prevented you from participating in the Thanh Nien Newspaper International U21 Tournament. He was happy to hear that you, Ngoc Toan, and Ngoc Duc were promoted to the first team at the end of 2014. He was overjoyed to witness your first goal in the V.League against Long An last season. Once, he talked to Vo Ngoc Toan (your close friend), and Toan confided: "Cuoi plays really well, brother. I hope the two of you will shine in the Song Lam Nghe An jersey."

My dear, I'm reminding you of these memorable milestones in your career just so you know: I and the fans from Nghe An will always be by your side, believing in you so much. Be patient, persevere in your training, and you will shine, Phuc "Cuoi"!

Le Thanh Hung