Vietnam's No.1 center-back speaks sincerely about his former club

Quế Ngọc Hải formally says goodbye to Đông Á Thanh Hóa following a four-month stint, ending a short yet heartfelt journey as he gets ready for a new career chapter.

Finally, after much speculation, Quế Ngọc Hải has officially parted ways with Đông Á Thanh Hóa, concluding a brief but memorable period wearing the Thanh Hóa team colors.

On December 31st, the defender from Nghệ An posted an emotional message on his personal page, officially confirming his departure from the team: “December 31st is a special day to say goodbye and give thanks. I want to express my gratitude to the management, coaching staff, and teammates at Đông Á Thanh Hóa. Thank you all for your love and support. I am proud to have been a part of this club.”

The contract between Quế Ngọc Hải and Đông Á Thanh Hóa ended just as he turned 32, an age when many players start thinking about stability rather than new adventures. Nevertheless, the center-back from Nghệ An still holds a strong ambition to conquer, proven by his recent return to training with SHB Đà Nẵng.

Joining Thanh Hóa at the start of the 2025 season, Quế Ngọc Hải was expected to bring leadership and experience to the club’s defense. However, persistent injuries limited his contribution, playing only 6 out of 10 V.League matches, and completing just two full 90-minute games. His last match in the yellow jersey was a 1-1 draw against HAGL on November 9th.

Although his time was short, Quế Ngọc Hải left the impression of a professional player with a strong sense of responsibility and relentless effort. His words of thanks were not only for his teammates but also for the Thanh Hóa fans who warmly welcomed him during difficult times.

Now, as he embarks on a new journey, Quế Ngọc Hải carries high expectations not only from himself but also from fans hoping to see him regain the image of a steel center-back, once the defensive leader of the Vietnam national team. The road ahead may be challenging, but with his experience and resilience, Quế Ngọc Hải is well-equipped to continue writing his own story in Vietnamese football.