Article by Andrei Crăiţoiu – Published Wednesday, December 24, 2025 4:41 p.m. / Updated Wednesday, December 24, 2025 6:23 p.m.
Florin Răducioiu (55 years old) is the only Romanian footballer who played in the five most important championships in Europe, and after putting on his boots he became an expert. He is currently under contract with Antena 1, but on the occasion of the winter holidays he is preparing for a vacation.
“These are special moments, it is clear that I will try to stay with my parents, after which I will leave the country. Christmas brings family close, but also close friends, which have become fewer and fewer, because I am more selective“, says Răducioiu.
“I clearly remember the scent of orange peels”
He fondly remembers his childhood: “When I was little, I used to walk with a plow or a sorcova. I really like these customs! I also passed on the sorcova walking to my boys, who are not Romanian. They really like this idea of taking money from their parents. Fortunately, these traditions are still maintained here.”
But what did the winter holidays look like under communism? Răducioiu caught Guerrilla Santa, and after the 1989 Revolution, Santa Claus.
“They were gorgeous! I couldn't wait to get the chocolates. There were no presents back then, it was a complicated time. It was a real celebration when we had oranges or bananas. I clearly remember the scent of orange peels, which we used to put on the stove. Back then, it snowed a lot, and the winters were hard, but beautiful”, remembers Florin.
“I learned that I have to live every day to the fullest”
Before leaving Romania for a few days on vacation, Florin Răducioiu filmed for “The craziest New Year's Eve” from Antena 1, a special program for the night between years.
“For 2026, I don't propose anything! I live from day to day. I don't make plans anymore! I learned that I have to live every day to the fullest. I'm happy for what I'm doing. I'll be better and better next year too!”says Răducioiu.
The former international great sends a message through GSP to all football lovers and beyond: “Let's be healthy and better and better with each other! It's necessary to be generous, there are many people who don't have the possibilities that we have. I'm very sensitive when it comes to social cases.”
