Midfielder Cao Xuan Thang leaves SLNA after 15 years of association

"2006-2021, goodbye to the beloved yellow jersey..." Midfielder Cao Xuan Thang said goodbye to the Nghe An team a few hours ago. When mentioning Cao Xuan Thang, people often mistake him for a steel center-back born in 1982. But in this case, it's another Cao Xuan Thang born almost a year later and playing in the midfielder position.

Cao Xuan Thang leaves SLNA after 15 years of association. Photo: Archive

Xuan Thang was a member of the team.U19 Vietnamwent to Palestine in 2012 to participate in an international friendly tournament. Participating in this tournament were many players who have played for the national team and U23 Vietnam such as: Que Ngoc Hai, Ho Sy Sam (SLNA), Pham Hoang Lam (DTLA), Vo Huy Toan (SHB.DN), Nguyen Van Manh (XSKT.CT), goalkeeper Dang Van Lam (Hai Phong), or striker Nguyen Xuan Nam.

Xuan Thang is right-footed but is considered to have a skillful left foot. Although he does not have an ideal physique, in return, his handling in a small area, acceleration and kicking are lightning fast.

In 2013, Xuan Thang was loaned by SLNA to Binh Dinh to play in the First Division. Then in the second half of the 2014 season, XSKT Can Tho borrowed him to play. Xuan Thang was one of the factors that helped the riverside team win a ticket to V.League 2015.

With his good form, Xuan Thang was selected by coach Toshiya Miura to be on the list of the Vietnam Olympic team preparing for the 2014 ASIAD. Next, he was retained in the first team of SLNA and has contributed since then.

With Xuan Thang leaving SLNA, the Nghe An team may have prepared to make room for many players to come to Vinh Stadium in the near future. In addition to the high possibility of Trong Hoang and Ngoc Hai returning to their old team, another name is likely to return to SLNA. That is defender Pham Manh Hung.

Pham Manh Hung may return to wear SLNA shirt. Photo courtesy of PV

Recently, this player said goodbye to Hai Phong. He shared with the press: “I will have to say goodbye to Hai Phong Club at the end of this month. My contract with the home team will end on September 30. Not only me, but some other players will also no longer play for the team next season.”