Striker Nguyen Xuan Son is in Singapore with the Vietnamese team to prepare for the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2024 semi-final against the host country, taking place on December 26.
Unlike previous years, Xuan Son will not be in Vietnam to celebrate Christmas with his family (night of December 24, day of December 25).
Talking to Lao Dong, the Brazilian striker said: "This will definitely be a special year for me and my family. I am wearing the shirt and doing my duty with the Vietnam team. My family is very happy about this. I think Jesus has given me a wonderful gift. I think I just need to enjoy it at this time."
Xuan Son has lived and played in Vietnam for many years. The naturalized striker shared that the Christmas atmosphere in the two countries will have some differences. However, in general, this is an occasion for him and his family to look forward to gathering together.
"I have celebrated Christmas in Vietnam three times. I find it very peaceful, and Vietnamese people are also very lovely. In Brazil, people decorate their houses, share gifts, cook together and gather with their families. I think it is a bit like Tet Nguyen Dan.
My family is no exception as the whole family always cooks typical dishes, buys gifts, visits close friends, and wears red shirts to celebrate Christmas," Xuan Son expressed.
Talking about his Christmas wish this year, the player currently playing for Nam Dinh club revealed: "I wish the Vietnamese team will win the ASEAN Cup 2024".
Nguyen Xuan Son and his teammates in the Vietnam national team are actively training, preparing for the two semi-final matches of the ASEAN Cup 2024 against the Singapore team taking place on December 26 (away) and December 29 (Viet Tri Stadium).
