SHB Da Nang Football Club has agreed to terminate its contract ahead of time with Argentinian Vietnamese striker Do Merlo as per his request due to his health problems.

SHB star Do Merlo (in orange)

Despite starting to play for SHB Da Nang in 2008, Merlo has been overshadowed by the presence of his South American teammates such as Brazilian strike duo of Almeida and Rogerio, and his fellow-countrymen Molina and Nicolas Hernandez. The main reason is that Almeida is famous for his excellent scoring skills, whilst Rogerio, Molina and Nicolas boast their good agility, strength and flexibility. Therefore, Merlo had to sit on the substitutes' bench for nearly one year.

When Almeida suffered from knee injury and said goodbye to the local football club, Merlo had the opportunity to be released to the field.

Thanks to his great efforts and the enthusiastic training of former coach Le Huynh Duc, Do Merlo gradually filled the gaps left by Brazilian striker Almeida.

Since then, he has become the club’s top striker who is well-known for his good aerial ability and perfect combination with his teammates.

His great efforts have paid off as SHB star was the top goalscorer for the 4 V-league seasons in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2016.  In addition, he was named the best foreign footballer in the 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2016 league seasons. 

Last year, Do Merlo was ruled out for the 1^st half of the 2017 V-League season due to his long-term injuries, and returned to the game in the 2^nd half of the season.

In the very last minutes of the match against Can Tho at home on 9 September, Do Merlo found it very difficult to breathe. After the match ended, he informed leaders of the SHB Da Nang Football Club about his health problems.

On 11 September, Do Merlo took the initiative to terminate his contract ahead of time with SHB Da Nang in order to return to his hometown to get a medical examination as soon as possible.

Previously, Merlo was ruled out for some of the 2012 V-League season after damaging his cruciate ligaments.  He then found it very difficult to maintain his place in the team due to his long-term injuries.  As a result, his contract with the local club was terminated by mutual consent in 2014. 

“For me, money is important, but my life and my family are more important. Although I love to play for SHB and consider Da Nang to be my second home, I know when it is time to stop. If my health is recovered well, I will return to the city and devote myself to the city’s football sector”, Do Merlo affirmed.

Mr Bui Xuan Hoa, Chairman of the SHB Da Nang Football Club, couldnot hide his emotions when saying goodbye to Merlo. He remarked all leaders of the club and the coaching board highly appraised Merlo for all things. The local football team are willing to welcome Merlo if he return to play for the club.