Balasa snapped up by Farul
Wednesday, June 18, 2003
Article summary
FC Farul Constanta have signed playmaker Cristian Balasa from FC Arges-Dacia Pitesti.
Article body
FC Farul Constanta have begun the rebuilding process for next season by signing playmaker Cristian Balasa from FC Arges-Dacia Pitesti.
Debs mounting
The 31-year-old Balasa has spent six years with Arges, the last three as captain, but they were forced to let him go amid mounting financial troubles. The club is in debt to the players and coach Ion Moldovan, and also to their telephone and gas suppliers which is why both services were cut off today.
'Confidence and clarity'
Balasa has played more than 200 games in the Romanian first division, scoring 30 goals. Marcel Lica, the Farul president, said the player "will bring confidence and clarity to our offensive game". The deal includes a clause which will allow Balasa to leave at the end of each season, but only if the purchasing club is from abroad and is willing to pay back the money which Farul has invested in his services.
More signings
Farul, who narrowly avoided relegation in 2002/03, are also interested in signing two other Arges players, defenders Tinel Petre and Raul Marincau, before pre-season training starts on 23 June. Arges defender Cristian Dancia is also set to move, but to capital club FC Dinamo Bucuresti.
