Exclusive: TIMOTHY ANJEMBE Snubbed Offers From China To Extend Stay With Hanoi

Vietnam based forward Timothy Anjembe in April extended his stay with Hanoi FC by putting pen to paper on a new two-year deal which keeps him at the capital club until August 19, 2015.

Anjembe has revealed he snubbed offers from clubs in China and Vietnam to continue his collaboration with Hanoi FC, who top the V-League standings with 39 points from 20 games.

''It makes me laugh when I am asked why I am still playing in Vietnam. I am not playing football for fame, I am playing to make a living. It doesn't matter where I play whether it's Europe or Asia. I don't know how much I may get playing in Europe, but I am happy here, so is my family.

''I had many offers from clubs in Vietnam and China before I extended my contract with Hanoi. Because of  contractual agreement, I won't be revealing the names of the clubs who had sought my services,'' Anjembe told allnigeriasoccer.com.

Reports in Vietnam had earlier suggested that teammates of Anjembe at Hanoi were unhappy when he prolonged his stay, labeling him a selfish player.

''I am just hearing that for the first time. As a matter of fact, it wasn't announced at any meeting. Some people got to know about my new contract on the pages of newspapers. Vietnam is not like Europe where players who sign new deals are presented to the Public and Press. Most of the contracts signed are done secretly. Because the contracts are not publicized, you may not know how much your teammate earns unlike in Europe.

''By the way, why won't my teammates be happy I signed a new deal? For three consecutive years, I have been Hanoi's top scorer in the league, and voted the best player. It is my responsibility to make my employers happy, so if they are happy, why would some elements that are also employees like me be unhappy. I was not jealous or unhappy when their contracts were extended. I was labeled selfish, which striker is not selfish? If you are not selfish how will you score. Sometimes, you have to make quick decisions to score,'' adds Anjembe.
 
Timothy Anjembe is the second highest goalscorer in the Vietnamese Championship with 13 goals in 20 games, level with compatriot Felix Gbenga Ajala of Dong Thap FC.