Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC officially ended their 10-year-old relationship with European giant Arsenal yesterday.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC President Doan Nguyen Duc (right) shakes hand with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in their opperation signing ceremony 10 years ago. Their relationship ended on June 30. 

The former V.League champions started their collaboration with Arsenal in 2007. They built the Hoàng Anh Gia Lai Arsenal JMG Academy, setting up the first-ever football training centre in Viet Nam.

Following their cooperation, coaches and trainers of Arsenal were sent to Viet Nam. The academy is now training the fifth course for players.

Their first generation of players won the regional tournaments for youth, including a U21 title in Thanh Nien Newspaper International Football Tournament in 2014.

Arsenal came to Viet Nam, selecting it as one of their destination for their pre-season tour, in 2013.

Three best players from Hoàng Anh Gia Lai have been sent to compete abroad. Currently, midfielder Luong Xuan Truong is still serving a contract with South Korean club Gangwon FC.

However, even after 10 years, a single player from Hoang Anh Gia Lai was yet to qualify to play for Arsenal in England. This was cited as one of the main reasons for ending the association.

The academy is now called Hoang Anh Gia Lai JMG. The Arsenal logo will no longer appear on the players’ shirts from the 16th round of the V.League. 

VNS