Two days after Cong Vinh played for the first time for Leixoes on October 5 he shared his thoughts on his Portuguese experience with the local media.

Cong Vinh (left) in Leixoes jersey.

Newspaper A’Bola interviewed him referring to Cong Vinh as an “Asian Star”.

Cong Vinh told them: “I’m playing in one of the highest quality leagues and I feel good. With the support and assistance of my coach Mota and my teammates, I’m confident that that I can make a positive contribution to Leixoes”.

Cong Vinh’s contract will expire in December and he doesn’t know yet whether it will be extended. However, he confirmed: “As long as I am still here I will try my best at every opportunity”.

Before leaving to Portugal in August, the Portuguese chief coach of the Vietnamese national squad Henrique Calisto warned him about challenges in Portugal. After nearly two months, Cong Vinh admitted that Calisto’s warnings were true.

“Mr. Calisto said that everything in Portugal will be totally different from Vietnam. Exercises will be harder, requiring better strength from players. Moreover, footballers will have to show their best skills and techniques. What he has told me is all true,” Vinh said.

Cong Vinh has won the Golden Ball Award for the best player in Vietnam three times. He also scored the decisive goal for the Vietnamese squad in the final match of the AFF Cup 2008, which brought about the first AFF championship to Vietnam.

He grew up with the Song Lam Nghe An club before joining the T&T Hanoi earlier this year. Coach Calisto took a significant role in sending Cong Vinh to Portugal with a 4-month contract with Leixoes.

PV