1. The star player, who just yesterday was the center of cheers from thousands of cheering fans, now quietly directs traffic at street intersections, blowing his whistle to manage traffic flow. Having shed his football jersey since 2005, Vu Minh Hieu transitioned to the role of a People's Police officer. Initially, Vu Minh Hieu felt awkward and uncomfortable with teasing or friendly remarks such as: "Handsome Minh Hieu!"; "It's Minh Hieu!" or comments from traffic violators saying things like, "I used to be head over heels for you, but since you stopped playing football, I rarely go to the stadium anymore."
What many players of the Hanoi Police Football Club always remember about the team is the "commitment." When age, injury, or later the team's transfer or dissolution led them away from the field, the leadership always paid special attention to their "post -football " future according to each person's wishes. Those who wanted to pursue a coaching career were given the opportunity to study at the University of Physical Education and Sports to become youth team coaches or assistant coaches for the first team, while those who wanted to work in professional roles were sent for specialized training and assigned to key units such as the Criminal Police Department, Traffic Police, Economic Police, Public Order Police, or the police departments of districts and counties.
The image of a star player who yesterday was dominating the pitch at Hang Day Stadium, and today is donning a regular military uniform to maintain order in the streets, is the most beautiful symbol of the bond between football and the police force. It is this "affection" and humane treatment that has allowed generations of players to wholeheartedly dedicate their youth to the team.
Striker Nguyen Tuan Thanh is similar. When he first started "leading the way," he complained, "Traffic is more chaotic than on the football field," and he spent more than a month "practicing," learning from senior colleagues in the field how to handle situations. He also always kept a copy of the Road Traffic Law with him so "if he forgot, he could refer to it." And when he was on duty at traffic checkpoints, many fans recognized him. Some waved, some stopped to chat for a few minutes, and some even asked for Tuan Thanh's autograph while signing their reports.
As a goalkeeper, the time spent on the field is longer. It wasn't until 2008 that the number one goalkeeper, Pham Viet Cuong, retired. He was then transferred to the Traffic Police Patrol and Escort Team, Traffic Police Department, Hanoi City Police. He adapted to his new job very quickly. Just like during his playing career, with a high sense of responsibility, Viet Cuong considered patrol and escorting as a noble political duty, a matter of honor for a traffic police officer, contributing significantly to enhancing the national image.
During his five years in the Traffic Police escort team, the former goalkeeper of the Hanoi Police participated in and ensured the safety of many important political events, from the National Party Congress to the ASEM Summit. In addition, former goalkeeper Viet Cuong is also known as a proactive and enthusiastic officer in cultural and sports activities of the Hanoi Traffic Police Department and the Ministry of Public Security .
Compared to his teammates, the talented goal-scoring defender Luu Thanh Chau has been less fortunate. In 2013, while leading a patrol team, an individual using a running lawnmower charged straight at him, cutting through his table. He raised his hand to defend himself, resulting in the former Hanoi Police player becoming a 29% disabled veteran. His face is now covered in scars, and his thumb has almost completely lost sensation. However, Luu Thanh Chau's gifted legs can still run on the field during friendly matches with fellow former players, reminiscing about the old days of Hanoi Police. About 10 years ago, at nearly 40 years old, he even impressed while playing for FC Ham Rong 94-97 in a friendly tournament. The technique and elegance of the former Hanoi Police player amazed everyone, leading to comparisons with Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta.
2. For many former Hanoi Police players, adapting to the team's disappearance didn't happen overnight. Some took years to get used to life without training sessions, away matches, the nervous anticipation before each game, and the fervent excitement of hearing the chants of "Hanoi Police" from the fans.
In a world far removed from the Hanoi Police football team, former members, now working as professional officers, traffic police officers, coaches, or simply returning to family life, still subconsciously remember that they once fought as players for Hanoi Police. That's why, even though they no longer play, the relationships forged during their years wearing the same jersey continue to exist. Former players still seek each other out at reunions, friendly matches, or coffee gatherings. Each time they meet, the conversation revolves around Hanoi Police, Hang Day Stadium, the trips they took, and the matches that can no longer be relived. Together, they can talk for hours about their beloved team, remembering the names of each teammate, each match, and each moment on the field.
For them, it's not simply nostalgia for a team; it's a memory of youth, of the years when they lived fully with passion and proudly wore the team's colors. Times may change, leading each person down a different path, but the memories of a time when they all looked in the same direction, fighting for ideals and the pride of soldiers, will stay with them throughout their lives.
Source: https://anninhthudo.vn/niem-kieu-hanh-cua-nguoi-chien-si-sau-ngay-roi-xa-san-co-post670870.antd
