With many of the current squad passing through his club, Gheorghe Hagi's influence on Romania remains strong.
No matter the outcome of their last-16 clash with the Netherlands in Munich on Tuesday, this is already a footballing summer to remember for Romania.
Romania underperformed at Euro 2016 and were eventually knocked out in the group stage after losing a qualification decider to Albania. "We deserve statues for what we did over the past 10 years," he railed. "You'll see that in two or three years Romanian football will die. Zero!" Between Hagi's retirement as a player in 2000 and Euro 2024 the national team only qualified for the 2008 and 2016 Euros, with no World Cups in between.Hagi's premonition haunted Romanian football over the years. It was the man himself who decided to act.
In 2021, Viitorul merged with neighbouring Farul. It will move from the academy set-up to a new stadium in Constanța in 2026."By 2022, I want half the national team to be either formed by players coming from our club or by players who were raised here," Hagi said in 2008.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rangers star Ianis Hagi leads Romania celebrations with megaphoneHagi was a second half sub as the Romanians thumped Ukraine 3-0 in their Euro 2024 opener.
Read more »
Ianis Hagi blasts back over Romania fans snub claims and sets record straightHagi alleged snub caused a stir in the aftermath of last Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Belgium in Group E.
Read more »
Gheorghe Hagi exclusive interview: How Romania legend's academy is fuelling his country's Euro 2024 appearanceIn an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Romania legend Gheorghe Hagi discusses his famed academy that has helped propel his country to Euro 2024.
Read more »
Romania vs Ukraine: UEFA Euro 2024Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Romania vs Ukraine in the UEFA Euro 2024
Read more »
Euro 2024: Build-up as Ukraine, Belgium, Slovakia & Romania hope to qualifyFollow build-up as Ukraine face Belgium and Slovakia meet Romania, with all four teams hoping to qualify for the last 16 of Euro 2024.
Read more »
Romania manager demands apology over Euro 2024 fix claims that surrounded Slovakia clashEdward Iordanescu is furious after claims his side agreed to fix their Euro 2024 match with Slovakia.
Read more »