by Tien Thanh
HCM CITY — The captain of the national team, Nguyen Minh Phuong, has decided to retire from international football following Viet Nam's elimination from the AFF Suzuki Cup tournament last week.
National coach Henrique Calisto has denied any knowledge of the decision though Phuong told Viet Nam News that he has informed both the Portuguese coach and the football authorities.
"I am 30 now and feel a little bit old.
"I decided to withdraw from the team because I want to allow young players to get more chances to play for the national team."
Asked about his most memorable moment for the national team, he said without hesitation: "It was when Viet Nam beat Thailand at My Dinh [Stadium in Ha Noi] to lift the AFF Cup trophy for the first time in the history of the tournament."
This was in 2008. In the second leg of the final in Ha Noi, Phuong trapped a free kick and drove the ball to striker Le Cong Vinh who leaped to glance into the far corner to help Viet Nam beat Thailand 3-2 on aggregate.
Phuong made his international debut in 1999 when he played in the Olympic qualifiers and then played for the full national team in 2002. He played 73 times and scored 12 goals.
He won two V-League titles with his former club, Dong Tam Long An.
Phuong has signed a three-year contract with SHB Da Nang for whom he will play in the V-League season that kicks off next month.
Calisto told Viet Nam News: "I have not heard anything about Phuong's retirement. I have not heard any players expressing their desire to retire."
He also refused to talk about changes to the team after the AFF Cup.
He admitted to making some mistakes in the semi-finals against Malaysia but pointed out that the loss of too many important players like Le Cong Vinh and Pham Van Quyen just ahead of the AFF Cup also took a toll.
The Portuguese coach left for home last night for a one-month Christmas break and will return later next month. — VNS
