VFF holds gratitude party for Coach Park Hang-seo

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) held a farewell ceremony for coach Park Hang-seo and assistant Lee Young-jin last night (February 8) after the two sides decided not to continue working together after 5 years.

The leader of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said that coach Park Hang Seo is the inspirational leader who brought Vietnamese football into history with many victories.

At the event,Coach Park Hang-seowas honored to receive a Certificate of Merit from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and a Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in recognition of the great contributions and dedication of the Korean strategist during his 5 years as head coach of the Vietnam National Team and U23 Team.

Image of the party to honor coach Park Hang-seo organized by VFF.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung shared: "In 5 years of association, coach Park Hang Seo has led Vietnamese football from one victory to another. He is the one who inspired the leadership to bring Vietnamese football into history from the past to the present. I think that with his humility, way of inspiring, and scientific tactics, he will be valuable experience for those working in Vietnamese football in the future."

Coach Park Hang-seo and his close assistant Lee Young-jin have helped Vietnamese football progress continuously and on the FIFA rankings, in which the national team always leads Southeast Asia, entering the top 16 in Asia and top 100 in the world.

Coach Park Hang-seo was honored to receive a Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. (Photo: VFF)

Mr. Park's memorable achievements include the runner-up position at the 2018 AFC U23 Championship, the 2018 AFF Championship, reaching the quarterfinals of the 2019 Asian Cup, and winning two consecutive gold medals in men's football at the SEA Games. In addition, the most notable highlight was the red-and-yellow-star team entering the final qualifying round of the World Cup in Asia for the first time in history.

Speaking at the gratitude party, coach Park Hang-seo said: "During the 5 years of being associated with Vietnamese football, I have always worked hard and tried to achieve the best results. However, it is inevitable that there are still shortcomings. In fact, it is not easy for a Korean to come to another country like Vietnam to be able to live and work conveniently. But thanks to the help, I have had favorable conditions during my 5 years of work."

"I am very sorry that I could not achieve higher results with Vietnamese football. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Vietnamese football clubs for sending us great players to contribute to the team. I would also like to thank the players for their dedication, the coaching staff, and the Vietnamese and Korean assistants who have always accompanied and given many initiatives to achieve this success. 5 years have ended, and I will never forget the memories of my association with the players," Mr. Park shared.

Coach Park Hang-seo sends his thanks to the country and people of Vietnam. (Photo: VFF)

On the VFF side, President Tran Quoc Tuan wished Coach Park Hang Seo and his family good health and happiness as well as continued contributions to maintaining and strengthening the good friendship between Vietnam and Korea. VFF also believes that Coach Park Hang Seo will continue to make positive contributions to Vietnamese football through the work and football projects that he is cherishing to carry out in the near future.

VFF President presents gifts to coach Park Hang-seo and assistant Lee Young-jin at the farewell party. (Photo: VFF)

Mr. Tuan emphasized that VFF will always open its doors to welcome him, like welcoming a family member back to his home./.