Cong Phuong thanked Duc before going to Japan
Yokohama FC announced the signing of striker Cong Phuong today, December 25. Closing his 15 years with HAGL, he wrote on Facebook: "Thanks to Uncle Duc, teachers, teammates and club members who have helped and supported me over the past time. Thank you to the fans for accompanying me. with me. Thank you Gia Lai for raising Cong Phuong. I will always cherish my happy time at HAGL".
Cong Phuong's contract with HAGL expired in early December 2022, and he asked for permission to elect Duc without extension to join Yokohama on a free basis. The striker also asked not to participate in the AFF Cup 2022, to prepare with his wife and children to settle in Japan.
"This is a new chapter in my career," Cong Phuong added. "I'm happy to join Yokomaha, with new tournaments, teammates and challenges. I'm ready to complete my mission to contribute to the success of the team. I will try my best every time I put on your shirt. Yokohama. Please support the team in the next matches."
Yokohama is located in Kanagawa Prefecture, owns Mitsuzawa Stadium with a capacity of more than 15,000 spectators. Formed in 1998, they played in the J-League 1 three times, of which two seasons were relegated. Yokohama's highest position is the 15th in the 2020 season. Midfielder Nguyen Tuan Anh also played for Yokohama in 2016 on loan, although he did not play any matches in the J-League 2.
Yokohama finished second in the J-League two seasons ago, and promoted with Albirex Niigata. In the 2023 season, Yokohama had eight foreign players, including six Brazilian players, a German goalkeeper and Cong Phuong. They own the most foreign players in J-League 1. Cong Phuong is the third Southeast Asian player in the current J-League composition, next to Chanathip Songkrasin (Kawasaki Frontale) and Supachok Sarachat (Consadole Sapporo).
Cong Phuong has gone abroad three times, all on loan. At Mito Hollyhock in 2016, Incheon United and Sint-Truiden in 2019. He played a total of 15 matches for these three clubs, without scoring.
J-League 1 2023 will take place from February 18 to November 12, and if he can play, Cong Phuong will become the first Vietnamese player to play in the J-League 1.
