A Vietnamese American doctor, who treated famous sports stars like Yao Minh and Donovan, has agreed to provide free service to Song Lam Nghe An’s halfback Nguyen Cong Minh.

Vietnamese American doctor Tuan Nguyen, who treated famous sports stars like Yao Minh and Donovan, has agreed to provide free service to Song Lam Nghe An’s halfback Nguyen Cong Minh, who is also a member of the national U23 squad.

Doctor Tuan Nguyen made a test for Cong Minh on May 13.

Minh’s knee ligament was torn during the game against Thailand at the Southeast Asian Games 2009 last December. He hasn’t played football since then. The halfback even planned to say goodbye to his football career at the age of 23 like some former football stars as Minh Chien and Do Khai.

On May 13, Cong Minh went to HCM City to see doctor Tuan Nguyen, 45, director of a sports medical centre in San Francisco, USA, which cured injuries for some sports stars like Chinese basketball player Yao Minh and football players Donavan.

The overseas Vietnamese doctor made an MRI scan and diagnosed that Minh needs an operation to play football again. “The surgery will take place for 30 minutes only and Cong Minh will be able to practice football after six months and play football normally after nine months,” he confirmed.

He said Cong Minh should go to the US for treatment. “I regret that Cong Minh’s injury has not been cured for a long time, otherwise he would have played football normaly,” the doctor said.

The operation cost of $50,000 will be covered by the Saigon Gia Dinh Sports Development JS Company and doctor Tuan Nguyen. The doctor also promised to assist the player after the operation. Cong Minh’s club will only have to pay for the air ticket and accommodations in the US, which is around $4000.

“Vietnam football has lost many talents owing to injuries. We hope to partly help Cong Minh to early return to his club and the national squad,” said Vu Tien Thanh, director of the Saigon Gia Dinh Sports Development JS Company.

PV