The national team star, who will wear No 15, said: "I am happy to have chance playing for Sint-Truidense. It will be a big turning point in my career and I will try my best to get my place. Thank you for giving me an opportunity and thank you for supporting me."

Hoàng Anh Gia Lai President Đoàn Nguyên Đức said he turned down offers from clubs in South Korea and Japan as well as some from Europe to send Phượng to Belgium because he appreciated the club's vision.

Speaking at the ceremony, managing director of Sint-Truidense Takayuki Tateishi said he recognised Phượng's talent after watching him play for Việt Nam against Japan.

Tateishi said he appreciated Phượng's bravery for wanting to test himself at a higher level overseas after two previous foreign stints.

The striker briefly played for Japanese side Mito Hollyhock on loan in 2016 and recently had his one-year loan contract with South Korea side Incheon United FC ended by mutual consent.

Sint-Truidense was established in 1924. The club competed in Belgium's top division and finished seventh in 2018-19 with 47 points. — VNS