Midfielder Tran Phi Son: 'I yearn for a championship dream with SLNA'

(Baonghean.vn) - Since first stepping into the SLNA first team in 2013, this is midfielder Tran Phi Son's fifth season playing in the V.League, becoming a key player for the Nghe An team. This season, it's possible the player from Ha Tinh will be retained or may have to leave. Let's hear his thoughts from Bao Nghe An.

Hello Phi Son, after 10 rounds of the V.League 2017, you've performed quite well for SLNA and scored 2 goals. Are you satisfied with your performance and achievements?

- From the beginning of the season until now, I've tried my best in every game, and everyone can see that I've improved a lot in my playing style, which many people used to say was too complicated. Now, I've gradually perfected myself, lost weight, and improved my weaknesses to become better. I think this season I have to try even harder to contribute to SLNA Club.

Over the past four seasons, Phi Son has consistently proven his worth at SLNA with crucial goals, many of which were spectacular strikes from outside the penalty area. Photo: Trung Kien

From a young player to now being a key player alongside Nguyen Manh, Ngoc Hai, and Khac Ngoc, what are the differences between your first time playing in the V.League and now?

- This was my first time starting in the V.League at Vinh Stadium. For many nights before, I was restless and couldn't sleep, thinking about the big game I would be playing in the next day. When I stepped onto the pitch at Vinh Stadium to face XT Saigon, the crowd was huge, and I felt really nervous and pressured, very shaky.

I wasn't very confident at first, but I still told myself I had to give my best to earn the coaching staff's trust. Now I'm used to the pressure, and I just try my best when I'm on the field. Having played alongside senior players like Cong Vinh and Trong Hoang has also helped me learn a lot.

You're already 25 years old and your contract with SLNA expires this December. While it's still too early to talk about this, what are your thoughts on the possibility of leaving the club someday?

- When I was at SLNA, wearing the yellow jersey, I always tried my best, giving it my all. That's also what many other players who grew up at Vinh Stadium aspire to do: play for the team that nurtured them. For me, playing here has always been a source of pride and happiness.

Later this year, Khac Ngoc and Phi Son will have to consider their future and enter negotiations with SLNA Club regarding whether they will stay or leave.... Photo: Trung Kien

Leaving or staying is normal in professional football, but if, unfortunately, for some reason, you were no longer playing for SLNA, how would you feel?

- If I couldn't stay and play with my teammates at SLNA, it would definitely be a very sad feeling. That's truly the case!

From a young age until now, I've lived and trained here, in a community where everyone treats each other like family. Back then, I really hoped the young players would perform well and the team would achieve great results. If I leave, I'll try my best to prove myself, and I'll do the same when I return. That's what I wanted to say.

If you could make one wish for yourself and SLNA, what would you wish for?

- As a professional player, everyone aspires to conquer new heights. My only wish and desire is to one day win the V.League championship with SLNA. I've never had the chance to experience that feeling. Anyway, my immediate task is to contribute even more to my team and score as many important goals as possible.

Thank you, Phi Son, and we wish you many more spectacular goals!

Trung Kien