Petrescu looks back to the future

Former Romanian international Dan Petrescu is leaving Southampton FC in England and returning home to pursue his ambitions as a coach.

Amicable agreement
The 34-year-old former Chelsea FC player was released from his contract a year early after reaching an amicable agreement with Southampton. Petrescu, who has won 96 caps for Romania, is currently considering offers from three leading clubs in his homeland and said he also hoped to continue playing.

'Give something back'
"I am looking to get my managerial experience in Romania, just as I did when I was a player," Petrescu said. "That set me up for a successful playing career and now I want to give something back."

Filling time
Petrescu has been working to gain his official coaching badge over the past year after losing his place in Southampton's first team. He added: "I hope I can play for another year or two back home. The game is more technical there and not so quick so there is more time on the ball. It will suit me more.

International dream
"I don't know about international football, though. I am on 96 caps and would dearly love to get to 100 and if the chance came I would not turn it down, but I am not desperate. One day I hope I can come back and manage in England and maybe later in my career I can manage my country. That would be a dream".

Chelsea favourite
Petrescu, who joined Southampton on a free transfer from Bradford City AFC in January 2001, played for Sheffield Wednesday FC for two seasons before joining Chelsea in 1995. He stayed with the London club for five seasons before he was transferred to Bradford.