Midfielder Phi Son: 'If I didn't play football, I would probably just be a chicken porridge seller'

(Baonghean.vn)- Phi Son confided that if he couldn't play soccer, he would probably stay home and sell chicken porridge with his mother, but he hasn't decided what job he will do yet.

- Hello Phi Son, do you remember how Phi Son got into football and why did you and your family choose SLNA?

When I was 13 years old, my father took me to VTS for a trial instead of SLNA. In the first selection session, I got a high score. At that time, an acquaintance said that he would ask for me to join SLNA. At that time, my family was also facing financial difficulties but my parents were very supportive of me going to practice football.

Midfielder Tran Phi Son in the Song Lam Nghe An Club shirt at V.League 2017 - Photo: Trung Kien

- At that time, how did going to Vinh to practice football affect Son's studies?

Honestly, I didn’t really want to go to school because since I was little, I only liked one thing: football. When I was at home, I always thought about football and not about studying. When I entered SLNA, I only thought about pursuing my passion and didn’t think about becoming a professional player.

- Son often helps his mother at the restaurant, do you know how to cook?

I also know a little about cooking. I learned from my mother, she cooks very well. I also know a little about chicken and porridge since I was little. Chicken is also my favorite dish.

Phi Son and his younger brother Phi Ha when they were children - Photo: NVCC

- If not playing football, what other job would Phi Son love or dream of?

At that time, if I couldn’t play football, I would probably stay home and sell chicken porridge with my mother (laughs), and I couldn’t decide what job I would do yet. Because at that time my family was also facing many changes and difficulties, so I thought that I didn’t have the conditions to pursue the path of education.

- Who has had the most influence on Son's football career up to this point?

I still remember my parents drove me from 4am in the cold rain to Song Lam to be on time for the morning selection. It was very cold and rainy and I thought I would not be kept because many friends were trained first and SLNA is a very famous training center. At that time, I honestly just thought that I was happy to try my hand and practice with my friends. When I was training in the youth team, I just thought that being promoted to the SLNA first team was a happiness.

- In the past, many people thought that Son was a fussy player, but now it's different. What do you think was the most difficult time in your career?

Coming to football, when I was taking the 12th grade high school exam, I was in the exam room when I heard the news that my father had passed away. At that time, I had only taken one exam, and that afternoon it was raining heavily. I could only take a taxi to hurry home. On the way home, I felt very hurt. Because the person who loved me the most and brought me to football was also my father. My father always gave me the best things, so when I received the news, I also wanted to quit football to do something for my family. When I had quit football for more than a month, I thought about football again and was determined to come back to compete with my peers. Because that was also my father's wish when he was alive.

Midfielder from Ha Tinh in the national team jersey - Photo: NVCC

- I really sympathize with the stories that Son told. After 5 years of playing professionally in V.League 2017, Phi Son has left certain marks and successes. So what is the secret to help Son overcome the pressure? At the same time, what does Son think about the fact that he cannot return to the national team?

Not having the opportunity to wear the national team jersey again is also a motivation for me to strive, to respond to the trust of the fans, the friends who have accompanied me. When I did not play well, people blamed me, at first I also felt sad. However, I think that as a player, I have to overcome that pressure. And to do that, I did not play Facebook, did not read information online, but only focused on training to get back to good form. After that, I started to feel more comfortable and tried to play well for the club. Now I am not called up to the national team, but if I think if we keep trying our best, we will receive what we deserve.

Phi Son was the best young player of Vietnam in 2012 and the best player of the U21 International tournament of Thanh Nien Newspaper in 2012 - Photo: NVCC

- Phi Son idolizes Ronaldo and people nickname him “Vietnam’s Ronaldo”, do you like this nickname? And besides, what other players and teams does Son love in the world?

Actually, I don’t like this nickname. It’s true that Ronaldo is my idol, but I think it’s something I can learn from, I have to try myself. I think I still like being me, Portugal’s Ronaldo is too classy. Besides, in the past, I liked “fat” Ronaldo, Ronaldonho and the Brazilian national team. I especially love South American players who play very spontaneously, with a bit of street style like Neymar at the moment.

- There are many questions sent to Son about his future at SLNA, at this time, what does Son want to say to the fans?

I am very grateful to those who have always supported and accompanied me throughout the past time. Until now, I have thought a lot, certainly this season I will try to play well and do everything I can for the SLNA team. Regarding the future, I think I need more time. I want to tell the audience that, when I am still wearing the SLNA shirt, I still love the team and do everything for the team.

Thank you Phi Son for sharing and wish you success in your football career!

Trung Kien