Gica reconnects Craiova and Getafe in a career-defining story

“I can’t wait for the show to begin,” says Gica, a legend at Craiova and Getafe, ahead of the meeting between the two clubs. The fixture echoes his career: a star at Craiova in 1991, he won the Liga and two Pichichi awards before retiring at Getafe in 2006, after promotion to the Primera.

The former player remains deeply attached to both sides. “Craiova gave me everything: I won the Liga and two Cups there, and I was Pichichi twice. It was one of the best periods of my career. And then there’s Geta, for which I have enormous affection: that’s where I hung up my boots and retired, and they even put up a statue of me,” he says.

He also recalls his standing in Craiova. He says a poll named him the club’s best player and that fans have been chanting his name at the stadium for more than 30 years. He notes that Balaci’s side reached the UEFA Cup semi-finals and had 12 players in the national team. After his era, he adds, Craiova won the Liga, Cup and Super Cup again, after 35 years.

Gica also praises Getafe’s return to Europe, for the fourth time in its history. “It’s an extraordinary achievement for Getafe, Ángel Torres, coach Bordalás and the players to see them back in Europe,” he says. He does not expect an easy match, however, and considers Craiova favourites at home. The club, he says, started its season a month before Getafe and is in better shape, despite being knocked out in the Champions League qualifying rounds. “I’ll experience it with a lot of passion; it will be special for me.”

Assessing Craiova’s squad, Craioveanu singles out Screciu, Bancu, Cicaldau and Baiaram, while noting that Mora, a Costa Rica international, will not play. He describes Bancu as captain and points to Cicaldau’s quality and Baiaram’s potential.

Gica has returned to his roots and is now president of Slatina, leaders of Romania’s second division. He says he is happy in his country, while missing Spain and the many people who care for him. He believes modern football has lost some of its essence compared with the days when Craiova played with greater passion and a strong sense of belonging. Ángel Torres, meanwhile, once called Gica Craioveanu the best signing of his nearly 25 years in charge of Getafe. In the summer of 2002, he went to the airport to persuade the Romanian to join Getafe rather than Rapid Bucharest. Gica recalls the episode with a laugh and says he made the right choice.