Daniel Pancu, the rapist legend who recently turned 48, recalled, in an extensive interview with the Gazette of Sports, some color anecdotes from the period spent in Beșiktaș. The “Pantera in Kadikoy” evolved in Istanbul between 2002 and 2006, becoming a true idol in a short time.
According to Gică Hagi, idolized by Galatasaray's fans today, there was a Romanian who has forever conquered the hearts of the Turks.
Daniel Pancu was transferred to Binskaș in 2002, and the chemistry with fanatics of the white and white supporters immediately transformed into an unmistakable career. In fact, Pancu recognized over the years that “he was more respected in Turkey than in Romania.”
Daniel Pancu, tasty stories from Beșiktaș: “After 10 stages, they were wondering if Zidane came!”
Pancu speaks today with nostalgia about the years of grace from Beșiktaș, revealing, from the newspaper editorial, how he got to instantly impose himself in Istanbul:
“I did not imagine the level I am at, but I knew it would be a great thing, especially since I was going to meet with Nea Mircea (NR LUCESCU). Turkey was in 3rd place in the world with the national team, the championship was sixth in Europe … ̇lhan Mansız was already a celebrity there!
I was much more mature, much better than I was before leaving in Italy (No to Cesena) I remember … I had a very short presentation, I kissed Beșiktaș's flag and went to workouts.
People came, took a picture, said: “A Romanian from Rapid” … In those times, with all the stars playing in Turkey, nothing special seemed to come from Rapid, From Romania, from 3-4 places … it did not draw attention to the transfer, it seemed something passenger. As after the championship tour, I will be in the public polls in the first place, detached, 30% over the next, ”Pancu said.
“One comes from Romania and takes everyone's face!”
Pancu continued his story:
“Over the years, it was an interim that told me in two minutes:« Daniel, when you came I said: Who is this, let's have it in number, that after 10 stages we ask if Zidane came to Beșiktaș! » This was the impact.
Of someone no one noticed, besides all the starsone comes from Romania and takes everyone's face!
From the first goal I clicked … It was a direct match with Beșiktaș, direct impact! I remember that, after the first workouts. I already had two problem players (n.r. Because of the intensity put on training). I quickly prevailed in Beșitaș, they said at one point: “Stay quieter, ready, arrive!”
I started to get goals and a beautiful story came out, ”Pancu said exclusively for GSP.
When Del Bosque came to Besiktaș, he looked at our matches and the first thing he says is: “Pancu is nowhere!” They almost doubled my salary and so I stayed in Beșiktaș, I didn't even reach the chess.
– Daniel Pancu, about the interest manifested in that period of chess and Chelsea
Daniel Pancu in Beșiktaș duel – Chelsea from 2003 / Photo: Guliver / Getty Images
Daniel Pancu at Beșiktaș, in 7 key data
TRANSFER. The Istanbul club bought from Rapid in August 2002, paying $ 2.25 million
DEBUT. His first match was Bursaspor – Beşiktaş 2-2, played on August 10, 2002, when he scored
Figures. Played 112 matches in all competitions, scoring 30 goals
Palmares. He won two trophies: the champion title (2002-2003) and the Turkish Cup (2005-2006)
Pantera from Kadiköy. This was the nickname received after defending 20 minutes in the Fenerbahce – Beşiktaş 3-4 match, without receiving a goal.
Coaches. He worked with 4 coaches: Mircea Lucescu, Vicente del Bosque, Rıza çalımbay and Jean Tigana.
The last match. He separated from Beşiktaş after the match Guimarães – Beşiktaş 1-3, from the UEFA Cup, played on December 14, 2005
