Filip Nguyen: 'I joined CAHN because of my Vietnamese blood'

Filip Nguyen chose to return to Vietnam to play for Hanoi Police FC because he wanted to fulfill his father's wish and maintain a connection between his son and his homeland.

Filip Nguyễn signed a three-year contract with CAHN FC on the morning of June 30th. He will play for the capital city team in the second phase of the V-League 2023 as an overseas Vietnamese player. Photo: Lâm Thỏa

While many Vietnamese players are seeking opportunities in Europe, you chose to return to Vietnam. What was the reason for this?

- I'm half Vietnamese. I returned for my family. My father is Vietnamese. My son also has Vietnamese blood in him. I want my son to maintain a good "relationship" with his roots. I think the decision to leave the Czech Republic and play for Hanoi Police FC was really good for my family as well as my football career.

I've come home. My dream has come true. I will do my best, for the fans, for the club, for my family and friends, so that everyone can be proud of me.

- When did Filip Nguyen accept CAHN's offer, and how long did it take him to decide to join the team on a three-year contract?

- The club contacted me in December 2022, and the following month I had the opportunity to join the team. But for various reasons , the dream only came true this June. Now, the team and I feel like the right person at the right time.

To connect well with his teammates, Filip Nguyen needs to know Vietnamese. What are his plans?

- Vietnamese is a difficult language, but I will try to adapt. My father will support me, and the club has arranged tutors, so I believe I will learn well.

- What difficulties is Filip Nguyen facing in the procedures to return home? How do you assess the challenges you will face in the future?

- I had almost no difficulty returning home, because my father and lawyer took care of everything. Perhaps that question should be directed to them.

The challenges for players returning from Europe are the difference in weather and the playing style of Vietnamese clubs. But I will try my best to adapt.

- With Filip Nguyen's arrival, CAHN Club will have four goalkeepers. How do you assess the pressure of competing for the starting position?

- In the Czech Republic, I would have to compete just like here. There's always pressure on every player. I will always do my best on the field. I believe that the player chosen to start will be the one who performs best on the field.

Filip Nguyen said that by joining CAHN, he will have the opportunity to obtain Vietnamese citizenship and play for the Vietnamese national team. Photo: Lam Thoa

- What are Filip Nguyen's thoughts on acquiring Vietnamese citizenship and playing for the national team?

- First and foremost, my goal is to contribute to the club. And if I perform well at the club and get called up to the national team, I'll be very happy. That's every player's dream. I'll have to prove myself in matches, especially in the initial period with the club. I will do my best to hopefully make that a reality.

Filip Nguyễn has a Vietnamese father and a Czech mother. He rose through the ranks of the Sparta Prague youth academy, playing for their first team before moving to Bydzov, Vlasim, Slova Liberec, and Slovacko. Filip Nguyễn was voted the best goalkeeper in the Czech Professional Football League for the 2018-2019 season.

Filip Nguyen had previously expressed his desire to play for the Vietnamese national team, but this was not possible due to a lack of citizenship. He hadn't completed this process because he hadn't lived in Vietnam long enough. Joining CAHN (Hanoi FC) will resolve this issue. Filip Nguyen's naturalization process will also be facilitated by the fact that his wife and son already hold Vietnamese citizenship.

Filip Nguyễn was previously called up to the Czech Republic national team, but since he hasn't played in any matches yet , he still has a chance to represent Vietnam.

Vnexpress.net