Global LFC Family: Vietnam

Liverpool have yet to play in Vietnam - the 13th most-populous country in the world - but as Le Pham from the local supporters club explains in this week's edition of the LFC Global Family, there's no shortage of Vietnamese fans desperate to see the team in the flesh should that ever change.

Name: Pham Quynh Le
Age: 25
City/country: Hanoi, Vietnam
Job: Sales representative

Why did you pick Liverpool as your team?

I just fell in love with Liverpool.

What's your earliest LFC memory?

It was in a book I read. I can't remember the title but the author was a fan of Liverpool. His characters enthusiastically described how Michael Owen dribbled through the opponents' defence, how Steve McManaman curled his free-kick to the top corner of the goal - a brilliant team with brilliant people. It was instilled in my mind and when I saw the real Michael Owen during the World Cup in '98 (the first World Cup I ever watched), that was the moment.

How did people in Vietnam follow Liverpool's fortunes at first?

Mostly by the newspaper and a TV show called 'Premier League Highlights' every Monday afternoon. Around that time, TV broadcasters in Vietnam rarely had Liverpool matches on.

Was it difficult to find out news or see the match?

The internet boom appeared in Vietnam in 2000. However, it wasn't until 2003 that I was able to follow Liverpool fully - read the news and watch all the matches. It was very difficult to get information about a foreign football league if you were not living in a big city like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Who was your first LFC hero and why?

That was Michael Owen. A stunning goal against Argentina made me love him in 1998.

What is your favourite LFC memory?

Surely that was the Champions League final in 2005 - the legendary night in Istanbul. I can't forget the feeling I got in the first half. I bet lots of fans had turned off their TV after the first 45 minutes were up but I guess that disappointment and frustrated feeling made my night more magical. I got so high after Gerrard's goal it felt like I needed to be admitted to the hospital after the next two goals. I can remember the tension of waiting for the match to end - with AC Milan still attacking fiercely. In the last battle - the penalty shoot-out - I almost dived along with Dudek and I cried when we won. That was an unforgettable night for me and is probably most of my generation's favourite Liverpool memory.

Who has been your favourite Liverpool manager and why?

Rafael Benitez - he was the one that led Liverpool to the fifth European Cup. I had only known about Liverpool since the Gerard Houllier era so I guess it is no surprise that Rafa is my favourite manager. His achievements are the only ones that I was able to witness live on TV.

What has been your lowest point supporting Liverpool?

Roy Hodgson's tenure from July 2010 to January 2011. I was truly disappointed with how our team played.

Have you ever been to Anfield?

I have not but it is my dream.

Do Liverpool have a passionate fan base in Vietnam?

Vietnam has a big Liverpool fan base. We have LFC activities all year round and in many cities around the country. In the two biggest cities (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), fans are able to gather and watch the match together. Sometimes the number of people coming to a match at a single location can reach 400-500 people.

Which team are considered Liverpool's biggest rivals in your country?

Manchester United.

Where do you go online to follow news about LFC?

Facebook and Twitter have become immensely popular, but they are unreliable. I mostly follow the LFC website www.liverpoolfc.com and our LFCVN website www.liverpoolfc.vn for news.  

Do you also support a local team?

The Vietnam national football team. I used to follow Hanoi Police (a semi-professional team) until the club was disbanded in 2001.

Who is your favourite current player and why?

Luis Suarez. He has talent and he has the passion - the 'winning mentality'. He never gives up and that is what I like most about him. He is also a great family man off the pitch. I read the story about Luis and his wife and I was kind of jealous with Sofia!

If you could meet anyone connected to Liverpool FC - past or present - who would it be and why?

Steven Gerrard. He has become a legend. Every Liverpool fan would die to have a chance to meet him, shake his hand and say thanks for all the things he has done for Liverpool and for us.

What makes you most proud to be a Liverpool supporter?

For me, Liverpool isn't a simple hobby or just a football team. The Liverpool Supporters Club in Vietnam has become another family which not only shares my love for Liverpool but also has the people that always come to my help. We care for each other and unite strongly. That makes me most proud to be a Liverpool supporter. What do they say? Keep calm and stay Red!

Finally, what does 'the Liverpool way' mean to you?

It means to behave with dignity, to stay faithful and to treat people with respect. Every person is equal.

To visit the LFCVN website, click here.

Check out earlier interviews from our Global LFC Family series:

South Africa - Melissa Reddy>>
Thailand - Jeerawan Duangnam Herriot>>
Australia - Wayne Psaila>>
Mexico - Victor Alvarado>>
Indonesia - Andhika Sarwendha Suksmana>>
Nepal - Nischal Adhikari>>
Ghana - Aristo Dotse>>
India - Kaushal Goyal>>
Singapore - Henry Hann>>
Bahrain - Mohamed Ashoor>>
Mongolia - Amarsaikhan Orsoo>>