Doan Van Hau (right) still wants to stay in the Netherlands, despite his unsatisfactory start with Heerenveen.

– On April 19, you turned 21. How was your birthday this year?

– This is a special birthday because I am far from home, without parents, without friends or even any compatriots.

– Covid-19 causes football to `freeze`.

– I can’t reveal the specifics yet, but my thoughts are this: getting to Heerenveen is not easy, and instead of wasting time paying attention to other things, I always try my best to practice to keep it.

I just played four minutes for the Heerenveen first team.

Back in Vietnam, people often complimented me on my tall physique, long strides and good speed.

Van Hau’s favorite shoes have his name embroidered as well as the words Dream  Chaser.

– How is your relationship with your teammates and the team?

– Cultural assimilation is important so as not to be looked down upon by European teammates.

Here, they are quite subtle.

– But, mainly you still only play for the Heerenveen youth team?

– I know many people mention that as a criticism.

I haven’t played much yet, but Heerenveen also gave me many lessons and helped me grow.

Van Hau scored twice

Van Hau scored two goals in the 2019 SEA Games final.

– After what he won with Hanoi and the Vietnamese teams, if he stays in his hometown, he will have a smooth life and career.

– If I keep living in the `safe zone`, how can I have new experiences?

When I was 10 years old, I played for the U11 National Team and was selected for the Youth Training Center located in Thai Binh city.

Looking back later, I see that since I was little, I’ve dared to dream big (laughs).

That’s what I carry everywhere, not the Asian U23 silver medal, the AFF Cup championship medal or the SEA Games gold medal.