Galatasaray recruit Romanian Niculescu
Thursday, January 24, 2002
Article summary
Galatasaray SK have signed Romanian forward Radu Horia Niculescu on a three-month loan.
Article body
Galatasaray SK have signed Romanian forward Radu Horia Niculescu on a short-term contract from FC Steaua Bucuresti.
Permanent deal possible
The 27-year-old international, who had been on loan at Steaua's neighbours, FC National Bucuresti, has signed a three-month deal with the option of a permanent contract at the end of it, should Galatasaray decide to retain his services.
'Extraordinary opportunity'
Niculescu, who won the 2000 Divizia A title with Steaua, said he was determined to impress at the Istanbul club, where he is eligible for their UEFA Champions League campaign. "I want to make the most of this extraordinary opportunity and shut up those people who have criticised me," he said.
'Very useful'
Galatasaray’s Romanian coach Mircea Lucescu said: "I have known him a long time and I am sure that he is going to be very useful for us." Niculescu has made 15 appearances for Romania and scored twice. He missed out on the 1994 FIFA World Cup finals because of injury but was in Romania's squad four years later in France.
