A ceremony to say goodbye to SHB Da Nang’s midfielder Minh Phuong, who has decided to retire as a professional footballer at the age of 35, took place at half time in Sunday's match between SHB DN and Thanh Hoa at the city’s Chi Lang Stadium. 

The ceremony was jointly organised by the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the SHB Da Nang Football Club, and the Viet Nam Football Federation.

Local fans held aloft banners and photos of Minh Phuong to express their gratitude for his great contribution to the city’s footballing achievements over the past 5 V-League seasons. 

Minh Phuong (second right) and Le Huynh Duc (second left)

The former midfielder in Viet Nam's national team joined SHB Da Nang Football Club in 2011.  Despite his age, Minh Phuong did his utmost to help SHB DN gain remarkable achievements over recent years, including winning the V-League championships in 2012.

Speaking at the event, SHB DN’s coach Le Huynh Duc said that over the past 5 years Minh Phuong has made a deep impression on his teammates and the city’s football fans.  He extended his best wishes to Minh Phuong, and hoped that Phuong would continue his efforts for Viet Nam’s football in the future.

Binh Phuoc-born Minh Phuong took the opportunity to extend his sincere thanks and appreciation to the city leaders, local agencies, the SHB Da Nang club and his teammates for allowing him to devote his time to local football.