Farewell letter from Mr. Park's assistant to Vietnamese players

I am writing this letter to my dear players, colleagues and friends.

It has been more than a year working in Vietnam, but when it comes to saying goodbye, I realize that I will have to leave special friends. Saying goodbye to the Vietnam team is the most difficult decision of my life.

In life, we always meet new people. There are people who become closer than usual, even though at first there is no sign of it. When that happens, we will want to meet them regularly. After saying goodbye to the players, I suddenly looked back over the past year. I realized that the memories with each player gave me a clearer view of their personality and who they are.

Mr. Bae Ji-won (third from left) proactively said goodbye to Vietnam after winning the AFF Cup. Photo: Duc Dong.

The decision to leave still breaks my heart. Only when we are apart do we realize the full meaning of the memories we have.Writing these lines still makes me sad to leave behind unforgettable memories and admirable players. I want to express my gratitude to the beloved players who have accompanied me for over a year.

I remember accompanying central defender Bui Tien Dung when he was receiving treatment for an injury in December 2017 in Thailand. Tien Dung then recovered in time to lead Vietnam to a resounding victory at the U23 Asian Cup.

I remember Do Duy Manh fighting hard in the final match of the U23 Asian Cup. His tears when he conceded a goal in the last minute left an unforgettable memory in my heart.

I remember Nguyen Phong Hong Duy and center back Nguyen Thanh Chung were eliminated from the Asian Games. Midfielder Dinh Thanh Trung and defender Duong Thanh Hao were also absent from the AFF Cup squad.

I remember Nguyen Huy Hung made a strong and impressive comeback after his injury.

There are still many happy, regretful and sad moments lingering in my mind.

My pen is still rolling and my mind still holds every smile of the players. Working with them makes me happy. The jokes and teasing help us become closer. Each player has his own sense of humor and from that I understand their personality. Jokes are also a way for players to get closer to the coach. That is how we cultivate relationships.

I want to thank the players for giving me the opportunity to work with them. They make my job easier. Some of them even call me "Dad". And I get to hear them talk about their girlfriends, and even say hello to them on video calls.

Mr. Bae (red jacket) plays a quiet but important role in the Vietnam team. Photo: Duc Dong.

Having faith is having everything. We can open up and talk to each other to understand each other's qualities.Sometimes a coach needs to be tough, but that's the only way to build trust and help players overcome difficulties.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the players for their absolute trust in me. That helps me to do my job in the best way.

Nguyen Anh Duc is always friendly and jokes around. He is the type of player who easily becomes a confidant with coaches.

Nguyen Van Quyet always shows the qualities of a team captain and is a role model for his teammates.

Nguyen Cong Phuong is always brave on the field, but is a gentle and quiet guy in real life. That makes him even more loved.

Ha Duc Chinh has a bright and lovely smile, making everyone around him happy.

Nguyen Tien Linh is friendlier than he looks. His jokes still amuse me day after day.

Nguyen Van Toan became closer to me during the AFF Cup when he was injured. He is an optimistic guy with a bright smile. Sometimes I consider Van Toan as a son, sometimes I consider him a friend. No matter what, he always brings me happiness.

Phan Van Duc is truly the uncontrollable funny kid in the team. He has a pure soul and is always optimistic both on and off the field.

Nguyen Quang Hai is not an easy player to approach, not because he is rude. But because he always trains hard. In life, Quang Hai is disciplined and serious but also has a warm heart.

Luong Xuan Truong possesses many admirable qualities. He is like a leader, knows how to take responsibility and motivate his teammates. Xuan Truong is even willing to sacrifice for the team. He is calm and focused on developing himself.

Pham Duc Huy is a quiet guy, but will try his best to complete the task. He is quite quiet but has a warm soul.

Nguyen Huy Hung has an optimistic philosophy of life and is always ready to give in to others.

Do Hung Dung always devotes his full capacity to the team without regard for personal fame. I have special confidence in his efforts. Hung Dung possesses an open and optimistic mindset.

Nguyen Phong Hong Duy often greets people with a smile and an optimistic attitude. My relationship with him is progressing well.

Mr. Bae celebrates with the players after winning the AFF Cup 2018. Photo: Giang Huy.

Doan Van Hau is a young talent representing the new generation of Vietnamese football. He is eager to show his talent, regardless of age. Van Hau likes to ask questions and openly criticize bad behavior. He also has a warm smile.

Nguyen Trong Hoang is calm but will do everything to complete the task. He is always shy in front of people. But if you get to know Trong Hoang closely, you can easily see that he has a fire of enthusiasm.

Center back Tien Dung has a strong personality and is disciplined. He is mature for his age. When I first joined the Vietnam team, he was still recovering from an injury. We became closer and closer through each training session on the field.

Luc Xuan Hung is an introvert and quiet person, but has a pure soul. He has difficulty conveying his emotions to people, but the boy still has many mysteries. Even though he is not allowed to play, he still practices diligently.

Que Ngoc Hai is a man of iron will, never accepting injustice. He has also shown leadership qualities.

Tran Dinh Trong has the most beautiful eyes in the team. But on the field, he is a warrior. I really like his sincerity. Dinh Trong is also a rare player in the team who always brings laughter.

Do Duy Manh and I have built a friendship since the U23 Asian Cup in China. I am proud to see him give his all in every situation. Duy Manh's fighting spirit brings confidence to his teammates. He also never loses his smile.

Goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung has admirable effort and determination in training and competition. He always smiles and maintains his stance.

Nguyen Tuan Manh is an experienced and skilled goalkeeper. He is the team's comedian. There are times when Tuan Manh can be angry and jealous because he is not the main goalkeeper. But he is still patient and is a role model for his teammates.

Dang Van Lam has a smile that makes his teammates feel comfortable. He is naturally kind and always knows how to show his talent on the field. Van Lam has a good relationship with all his teammates.

People may say that our achievements this year are a matter of luck. But it is the result of harmony and mutual trust, to overcome difficulties.Each player has a role to play in the success of the team. I will never forget the memories I have had. I would like to thank the players once again and wish them success in the future. I hope your lives continue to be filled with happiness.

Thanks to the coaching staff for creating the best conditions for me to support the players. Wish them and their families a lot of joy.

I am so happy to be with the players. Thank you Vietnam Football Federation for giving me this experience.