"Believe in your choices."

(Baonghean)On July 27th, at Vinh Stadium, SLNA will play against Hoang Anh Gia Lai, the team currently close behind them in the standings. This will also be the last match of the 2013 V-League season for striker Le Cong Vinh before he temporarily leaves the Nghe An team to play in Japan, and it will also be an opportunity for him to score his 100th V-League goal. Before this match, a reporter from Nghe An Newspaper interviewed Cong Vinh.

PV:The top scorer title is within his grasp, and the opportunity to reach the "miracle" of 100 goals is very close. So, why does Cong Vinh still want to leave?

Le Cong Vinh:From the moment I started my professional football career, I've always aimed to win the V-League top scorer title. This year, things are going well, but at this point, I need to make a choice and a trade-off. Joining Consadole Sapporo in the Japanese Second Division (J-League 2) is a great opportunity for me to experience and compete in one of Asia's best football environments. This could also be considered my last chance, as I'm already 28 years old this year.

PV:Leaving at such a sensitive time, aren't you afraid people will think you're being selfish and sacrificing your own interests?

Le Cong Vinh:Regarding this matter, I would like to confirm that I am not a free agent but belong to SLNA FC. If SLNA FC does not agree, I cannot leave. In fact, Sapporo FC negotiated with SLNA FC before negotiating with me. Therefore, I sincerely hope that fans will understand and sympathize with the club and with me regarding this decision.

Cong Vinh (right) is seen chatting with a reporter from Nghe An Newspaper.

PV:On his personal page, Vinh shared: "Leaving home is to see something bigger than what 'is within reach'." But I'm sure Vinh also knows there will be many difficulties ahead, and how has he prepared himself?

Le Cong Vinh:That's right. Japan has a very professional football system. Going there, I had to train and compete against players who were taller, more skilled, and the intensity of the matches was much higher. I also had to get used to the climate, language, culture, food, customs, and traditions… There were many challenges, but I had faith in myself and wasn't afraid of failure if I knew it was the right choice.

PV:Fans in Nghe An are eagerly awaiting Vinh's upcoming match. Will there be a gift for the home crowd in his farewell game?

Le Cong Vinh:Sitting here now, I'm still thinking about the match, thinking about the passionate SLNA fans filling the stadium. Since I joined the club in the 2013 season, the fans have always supported and cheered for Vinh in every match. Without such immense encouragement, I probably wouldn't have had such brilliant performances recently. Perhaps, simply saying thank you isn't enough, so what Vinh showed on the field and the goals that helped the team win will be the answer to the club and the fans.

PV:After this loan agreement, will Vinh return to his club or continue playing for Sapporo?

Le Cong Vinh:My contract with Sapporo FC was only valid from August 1, 2013 to January 1, 2014, while my contract with SLNA FC expires on October 10, 2014. If Sapporo FC wants to "buy" me, they must first negotiate with SLNA, but honestly, I still want to continue contributing to SLNA, because every time I play at Vinh Stadium in front of tens of thousands of spectators, it's a truly special feeling.

PV:Thank you, Cong Vinh. Wishing you success during your time playing in Japan!

Song Hoang (compiled)