More than three years of suspension has taken the briskness and sharpness of the former number-one striker of Vietnam, Pham Van Quyen. However, he said he needs only four weeks to resume his form.

Van Quyen (red).

After the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) removed the suspension penalty, the striker returned in a match between his club, Song Lam Nghe An, against Huda Hue city last Sunday. Quyen said the most difficult thing in the first match is the mentality.

“I played football in big stadiums with tens of thousands of fans but I’ve never been nervous like in the match against Huda Hue. I knew that fans paid attention to me so I felt very nervous. That feeling only came out after the first 45 minutes and since then I could play easily,” Quyen said.

In the past, Quyen owned excellent techniques of a top striker but in the first match after three years, he didn’t score any goal and his performance was not outstanding at all.

“I’ve gained around 70% of my previous manner. That was why I didn’t have a good match. But I can deal with this by hard practice. I need at least four weeks for this,” Quyen explained.

When Quyen was very famous, Cong Vinh, the top striker at present, was still working his way up. But now the role has changed. Cong Vinh has left Song Lam Nghe An to T&T Hanoi at a transfer fee of around VND 8 billion, and monthly pay of VND 50 million. Meanwhile, Van Quyen stays with Song Lam Nghe An for two more years with VND 800 million of bonus and VND 25 million/month pay.

“Cong Vinh is a good player and he is deserved for what he has now. I’m satisfied with my current situation and I’m only interested in resuming my form,” Quyen said.

Talking about his chance to return to the national squad, Quyen said that he doesn’t dare to think of it.

Lookatvietnam/VNE