Cosmin Contra revealed today how Razvan Lucescu managed to convince him to play for Romania against Albania and Belarus.
- Cosmin you were preparing to retire and now you are at the national team! Did you expect this?
- Not really. I had a discussion with the national team staff when we played the friendly against Israel at Timisoara and I said that I would help the team if they needed me.
- How did you react?
- I was out with my teammates at a restaurant when Bogdan Stelea called me. He put Razvan at the phone and he said that he needed me for the matches against Albania and Belarus because Sapunaru was injured.
- Did you hesitate?
- No way! Not even for a moment! I couldn't turn my back on the national team after all it has done for my career. I want to help the team win both the matches and start well these preliminaries. We know what happened last time when we lost 3-0 at home with Lithuania.
- Are you thinking of playing at the Euro 2012?
- No way! I'll be 35 in December and my contract with Poli just expired. I have no offers for now so I may retire aftere these two games.
- Dorinel played until 39, Zanetti has 40 and he's a first team player at Inter, while you are only 35...
- The mentality has changed concerning the older players. The clubs want young players that can bring profits to the team, while the old one are only temporary solutions.
- Will the matches against Albania and Belarus be your last for the national team?
- I don't know what to say. I hope to play at a good level until winter and then we'll see.
- Have you talked to Mutu?
- Two or three weeks ago...
- Does he still want to play for Romania?
- Yes! He told me he is training very well and that he feels strong and capable to return.
{{text}}