Coach Calisto unexpectedly returned to Vietnam, had a very important meeting with the President of VFF

During a working trip to Vietnam, on the afternoon of August 7, Mr. Henrique Calisto, President of the Portuguese National Coaches Association, former head coach of the Vietnam National Team, and Mr. José Pedro De Sousa Vieira, President of the Portugal - Vietnam Friendship Association, visited and worked with President of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) Tran Quoc Tuan at the VFF headquarters.

VFF President gives Coach Calisto a special gift

At the meeting, Mr. Calisto, who has been involved in Vietnamese football for many years, expressed his joy at returning to the land of memories, and highly appreciated the strong development of Vietnamese football in recent years. He affirmed that in his current role, he wishes to contribute to promoting professional cooperation between the two football backgrounds of Vietnam and Portugal.

"Portugal currently has many excellent coaches working at the world's top clubs and teams. I hope to be a bridge to promote extensive cooperation between the two National Football Federations, towards signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the future," Mr. Calisto shared.

Mr. Calisto (left) helped Vietnamese football win the AFF Cup for the first time in 2008.

PHOTO: VFF

VFF President and Coach Calisto shared many things about football.

In addition, Mr. Calisto also proposed to strengthen cooperation in areas where Portuguese football is strong, such as futsal (ranked 2nd in the world), beach soccer, as well as implementing training programs for Vietnamese youth teams at modern training centers in Portugal - especially the new center in the city of Braga.

In a friendly atmosphere, Mr. Calisto expressed his deep concern for the coaches and former students.

At the meeting, Mr. José Pedro De Sousa Vieira – President of the Portugal – Vietnam Friendship Association also shared his interest in the journey of player Huynh Nhu at Lank FC within the framework of the Portuguese Women’s National Championship. This is also considered a symbol of the connection between football of the two countries.

Mr. Calisto will play an important role in connecting the two football backgrounds of Portugal and Vietnam.

PHOTO: VF

In response to the veteran coach's sentiments, VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan respectfully presented him with a yearbook "25 years of professional football journey in Vietnam" recently published by VFF. The publication features memorable milestones related to Mr. Calisto's important contributions when leading Dong Tam Long An Brick Club as well as his journey to make history with the Vietnam national team.

Mr. Calisto's visit and work took place in the context of Vietnam and Portugal celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1975-2025). This is a meaningful occasion to contribute to enhancing sports and cultural exchanges and opening up new prospects for cooperation between the two football countries in the coming time.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hlv-calisto-bat-ngo-quay-lai-viet-nam-co-cuoc-lam-viec-rat-quan-trong-cung-chu-tich-vff-185250807171548473.htm