HCMC FC parts ways with Costa Rican striker

Rodriguez joined HCMC in July and only managed to score three goals for the club. On the field, Rodriguez lacked confidence, seemed out of pace with the team and failed to make any impression. Therefore, HCMC decided not to extend his contract at the end of the season.

Ariel Rodriguez plays for HCMC FC in V. League 1 2020. Photo courtesy of HCMC FC.

Another Costa Rican player, winger Jose Ortiz, along with Senegalese defender Papé Diakité, are the only foreign players left in the team.

HCMC recruited Rodriguez and Ortiz in July to improve their offense but their contribution to the club proved limited. Rodriguez is worth $315,000 according to German site Transfermakt while Ortiz’s value is at $715,000.

When 2020 V. League 1 ended in November, HCMC placed fifth despite spending lots of money in the transfer market to upgrade the squad.

They had tried but ultimately failed to sign an unnamed Brazilian striker playing in Italy’s top league Serie A.

"It’s such a shame we couldn’t sign the Brazilian striker from Serie A. However, HCMC are considering many other quality options," a club representative said.

HCMC are doing a mass adjustment to their squad for the new season. The club parted ways with 11 players and South Korean coach Chung Hae-soung. In return, they signed six new faces and recruited Brazilian coach Alexandre Polking. The club commenced training on Thursday to prepare for the new season of V. League 1, scheduled to start on January 16.