Steaua reinforce ranks

FC Steaua Bucuresti have moved to strengthen their squad ahead of next season's UEFA Cup campaign by signing left-sided defender Stefan Nanu on a one-year contract.

Contract terminated
The 35-year-old has not played for a year after badly damaging his left knee ligaments while playing for his last club, SBV Vitesse. His contract with the Dutch club was terminated by mutual consent in January and for the last six months he has been training in Bucharest.

'Special relationship'
Nanu had been keen to finish his career in his hometown with FC Universitatea Craiova, and was close to a return during the winter break but decided against it, saying that he did "not want to risk it or fool anyone".

Champions League dream
Now that he is fit again, Nanu has secured a deal with Steaua, who finished second in Divizia A. "I chose Steaua, because I have a special relationship with the coach Victor Piturca," said Nanu, who has seven international caps. "Five years ago when he [Piturca] was the head coach of the national team, I made my debut. Now, I want to win the title with Steaua and help them qualify for the [UEFA] Champions League next year."

Former clubs
Nanu's former clubs include FC Farul Constanta, FC Rapid Bucuresti and Vitesse. In 1999 he helped Rapid win the championship.