Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – published on Friday, October 3, 2025 21:08 / Updated on Friday, October 3, 20:16
Lucian Sânmărtean (45 years old), the former midfielder from FCSB and Vaslui, currently second at the Under 21 national, was declared the fan of David Matei (19), from Craiova University.
Even though he only took 4 matches this season for Craiova, David Matei managed to draw Lucian Sânmărtean's attention, who considers him an exceptional footballer. The former midfielder even attracted the attention of Costin Curelea, the team of the national Under 21, regarding the Oltenian footballer.
Lucian Sânmărtean, about David Matei: “He grew up in a good environment in Craiova”
“David Matei is an exceptional player, from my point of view. I also talked to the coach and I said, “Look at this child, that I like it very much.” Mr. Curelea also appreciates Matei, who grew up and grows in a good environment in Craiova.
The moments of play are explained very well, from a physical point of view it is very good. There things happen exceptionally for young people because they can learn football.
To live his present moment, tomorrow is another present. With Băsceanu I discussed very, very much, he is a special guy and a very good child. But he is so sensitive and so introvert that when he does not play he no longer manages to raise his level, he leaves his shoulders, which I did.
Children need to feed on the information they receive from the group. And in Craiova there are a lot of examples for Băsceanu. This child should be hungry. I think they are missing here a little, you have to sort the good information a little and that is not good. To set aside everything that is harmful in terms of the profession and take all this information doping to help you develop.
David Matei is a fixed point in the gear of Romania U19. Photo: FRF
If we want more than them, then it's a problem that belongs to us. No matter how positive we are, for nothing we want more than them, ”said Lucian Sânmărtean, according to prosport.ro.
David Matei arrived in Craiova in the summer, when the Oltenians paid the Star the sum of 75,000 euros. It is quoted at 250,000 euros on the specialized site transfermarkt.com. Has played 12 matches for the U19 national.
