The story began in the 1970s, when coach Chung was still a young player. Approaching his girlfriend's family at that time was not easy. He once recounted the feeling of being hesitant every time he came to the house, especially when facing the strictness of his future father-in-law.
Ms. Ngoc Uyen's family initially disagreed because they thought the football career was unstable. However, after many years of getting to know each other, they still got married.
The early years after the wedding were a difficult economic period. Mr. Chung admitted that the player's salary at that time was very low, not enough to cover living expenses. To organize the wedding, he had to find many ways, including selling bicycle parts. This was the period when the two began to build a family with limited resources.
After getting married, the role assignment was clear. Mr. Chung pursued football, while Ms. Ngoc Uyen took on most of the family work.
I am grateful to my wife. Thanks to her helping with housework and taking care of the children, I have today. Half of me is her. Half of my career is also her," coach Mai Duc Chung expressed.
At many times, especially when he went on long business trips, Ms. Ngoc Uyen had to handle almost all family work. He shared: "Even when repairing this house in 2022, at that time, I was leading the team to compete in India, at home everything was handled by her alone.
While worrying and arranging things, my wife also ran around borrowing money. As a man in the family, I should have taken care of things like this. But because of work, being away from home for a long time, my wife has to worry about everything.
On the contrary, the pressure from coaching work also affects family life. Mr. Chung admitted that there are times when he brings emotions from the football field home. At that time, Ms. Ngoc Uyen's handling method is to remain silent, waiting for the right time to exchange. This behavior has been maintained for many years, becoming a principle to help families avoid prolonged conflicts.
In our time, marriage was harmony, support, and sharing for each other. Husband and wife cannot avoid conflicts, but when it gets hot, each person restrains themselves a little. To make marriage long-lasting, you cannot put your ego higher than your partner," Mr. Chung said.
Currently, when his coaching career has entered its final stage, Mr. Chung is starting to mention balancing his personal life. After major tournaments, he plans to spend more time with his family, including a plan to take his wife on a trip.
