Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Le Hoang Quan on November 22 met with international football broker Jorge Mendes from Portugal and Vietnam coach Henrique Calisto at the City Hall.

International Football Broker Jorge Mendes (L) offers a Ronaldo's shirt to Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Le Hoang Quan on November 22. (Photo: SGGP)

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Le Hoang Quan said that he appreciated the visit by Mr. Mendes, which was aimed at studying Vietnam’s football market in general and the city in particular.

Mr. Mendes said he hoped to begin a long-term football partnership with the city and would make an announcement soon.

He added that Vietnamese citizens are great fans of the sport and that he hoped to bring top football clubs over from Europe like Barcelona, or top world football player Cristiano Ronaldo for a friendly match.

HCM City’s football management is trying to refurbish the image of the sport with support from city Football Federation's leaders, investors and city leaders.

The support will open new opportunities in the future, said Mr. Mendes.

The Portuguese broker represents 75 top football players including Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Deco (Chelsea), Diego, Quaresma, and coach Jose Mourinho (Inter Milan).