Southeast Asia Vietnam

TRIBE TALK: Trinh Duc Loi, Saigon FC Defender

By: , March 15, 2019 6:39 pm
Credit – Tran Tien

Saigon FC’s Trinh Duc Loi has had an interesting career path in Vietnamese football. Currently 24 years old, the defender left professional football four years ago to continue his education. However, his passion for the sport has brought him back into the nation’s top domestic division, as he hopes to help his local club to find success this season:

Can you tell me the reason why you choose Saigon FC? 
After finishing my youth career, I left football for three years to go to study. I was persuaded by Saigon FC coaches and with the passion with football still flowing, I decided to join the club.
After almost 2 seasons played in V.League, which moments you remember the most in the top division of Vietnam football? 
I grow up in Ho Chi Minh City and I am proud that can contribute my abilities to help Saigon FC. The moment that I will never forget is my debut match in this team's jersey. In that match, we played against Nam Dinh - one of the club's direct rivals in the relegation battle. I was in starting line-up and played a good game to help the team achieve a 1-0 win.
I am very thankful to coach Nguyen Thanh Cong who put the faith in me, gave me a chance to play and helped me become the player I am today.
Which difficulties do you had when you leave football for 3 years? 
I decided to stop playing football to go study four years ago, and I didn't see any difficulties. I still have a large passion for football and after completing my course, I returned to play professional football. I have a good feeling that I can contribute to the club.
What are your expectations for this season? 
I have played all 3 games this season and I expect to start more and more games in good form to help the team achieve as many wins as we can. Furthermore, I also have the dream of one day representing the Vietnamese national team.
In the past, I had been called up to the U19 national team, but I could not play due to injury problems. I am hoping that one day I can come back and feature on the national team list.
Besides football, what are your hobbies?
I have a big passion for cooking and going on holidays. I like to cook the delicious meals to my family member and if I have a girlfriend, I will cook a fresh meal for her as a way to make her love me more (laughs).