Article by Marius Mărgărit – published on Friday, May 16, 2025, 14:16 / Updated Friday, May 16, 2025 14:16
One of the oldest players of Steel, Ionuț Neagu, former champion and winner of the Super Cup, with the Galatian band, for which the Champions League groups also evolved, withdraws from football today.
Gălățean, raised by the Danube club, Neagu returned home in 2020 after evolving abroad in Cherno More, Karabukspor and Nea Salamis. He played again for the Galati steel in the 3rd League, contributing to the return to the first step. This season, he did not appear on the field, being part only of the lot in the first part of the championship.
Last Mohican from Steel
And in the play-out, however, the reserve bank, due to an injury, was not caught. He is the last player who evolves at the steel in the team that wins the title 14 years ago.
Today, he will have a short withdrawal ceremony, before the start of the match Oțelul – Lighthouse, when he will receive, in front of the fans for which he has played over 200 parties in all competitions, a special shirt. In the country he also played before returning to Otelul, played at UTA, Gaz Metan and FCSB, last in two “mandates”, when he conquered two other champion titles. For now, Ionuț Neagu has not decided whether or not he will remain in the administrative staff of the steel.
Celebrated the 14th anniversary of the title
Yesterday, Steel Galați celebrated the 14th anniversary of the only title in Palmares, the one in 2011, obtained under the leadership of coach Dorinel Munteanu. On May 15, 2011, Steel defeated Poli Timișoara, through the goals of Antal and Pena, respectively and became for the first time the Romanian champion.
The anniversary had two parts, the first on the terrace of the Shopping Mall City Galați, in the presence of 500 supporters, and the second at the theater restaurant. Several of the former players in the 2011 group were present, such as Paraschiv, Costin, Iorga, S. Ilie. L. Buș, Braneț, Grahovac, Mișelăricu, Neagu, Sârghi and Pena. Former club president Marius Stan also participated in the evening dinner. The coach of that time, Dorinmel Munteanu, was invited, but he could not reach, being left the city.
Grahovac came with a motorcycle
Bosnian Branko Grahovac, the former goalkeeper of the Champions team came to Balati on the motorcycle yesterday. This is how he crossed the over 1,500 klilometers from home until he reviewed with his former teammates. He will also be present in the stands, today, at the match with the Lighthouse.
