Article by Marius Mărgărit – Published Thursday, December 25, 2025 3:24 p.m. / Updated Thursday, December 25, 2025 3:25 p.m.
For right defender Mark Țuțu (21 years old), the Romanian who at the age of one and a half moved with his family to Canada, to Montreal, the year 2025 was a very special one.
Last year he came to Romania with the idea of trying to break into Romanian football, having previously played for the Portuguese youth team from Varzim.
He didn't know anyone, it wasn't easy at all. Finally he reached the 2nd League at Ceahlăul. Where he quickly stood out and became the holder of the right back position.
Mark Tutu. Photo: Instagram
His performances attracted the attention of those at UTA. And in the summer, just a few months ago, he fulfilled his dream, that of playing in the Super League.
Mark remembers that “after a good season at Ceahlăul, things were arranged for me to go on loan to UTA, which had been following me for some time. The president Marcel Pușcaș and my manager also helped me and that's how I ended up in Arad.
What I can say is that this transfer was like a glove for me. It couldn't be better. My colleagues, the technical staff, Mr. Adrian Mihalcea, they all received me wonderfully. And now I feel very good at UTA, especially since we have a good season, which gives us hope for the future.
I can't believe it when I think about where I was last year in December and where I am now. But I hope it's just the beginning.”
Mark Țuțu, debut at UTA in a crazy match, 3-3 with Craiova University, from 0-3
Mark Țuțu in action at UTA Arad
With no experience in League 1, Mark Țuțu had Adrian Mihalcea's trust from the beginning. He recalls that “it was a difficult moment when I came, because I didn't know anyone, I hadn't played at such a level before.
But I bravely entered the dressing room the first time, with my head up and my back straight. I said hello, introduced myself to each colleague and went out to practice. I knew I could only earn their respect on the field and that's what I tried to do.
And so it was easier. Plus Mr. Mihalcea is like that, the warrior type, who never gives up. So am I and this really helped me. He always tells us not to give in, not to give up and it has been seen that this team is capable of recovering from very difficult situations”.
He debuted right from the first stage of this season, in a crazy match, in Arad, against Craiova University. Mihalcea threw him into the fight at halftime, when it was already 2-0 for the visitors.
Mark says that “it couldn't have been a better debut for me. I don't even know what I felt then, but I just wanted to help, to do something that mattered. It quickly became 3-0 for them, but I didn't give up.
And, in the 79th minute, I managed to score a penalty that Costache converted. And then it was crazy. We came back, we tied, we could even win! It was fantastic. And for me, at the first senior match, on the first stage, at home, in Romania, I couldn't have wished for more!”.
“We're taking it step by step, let's see where we can go”
Mark Țuțu follows his dreams
UTA finished 2025 in 8th place, only one point away from 6th position, where Oțelul is. And he ended the year with a big victory, a 2-0 in Arad, against Dinamo, one of the most popular teams in the Superliga. With Mark Țuțu integralist, there, on the right flank of the defense.
Now, the young player has been back home in Canada for three days and is trying to adjust to the time difference. He will spend the Holidays with his family, whom he sees so rarely.
“I'm resting a bit, the Christmas tree was done, I'm staying with my family, quietly, because it's a short vacation. Family is very important. My father is my number one fan, but also my biggest critic. When I have a match, everyone gathers to see me on TV, it's a special bond, somehow they give me energy and strength not to give up, to move on, to try to be even better.
Mark Țuțu spends the Holidays quietly, at home, in Canada
I know that I still have a lot to learn, both defensively and offensively, because I like to go up, to cross, to enter combinations. I want to help, to be where it is needed. We really have a beautiful team, good atmosphere, incredible supporters, a coach who gives us confidence.
And I think we can go far. But we're taking it step by step, let's see where the road takes us. Because we have potential and can continue to have an exceptional season”.
The first calls to the U21 national team
His developments at Ceahlăul and then at UTA brought Mark Țuțu other firsts. Last year there were calls to the U20 national team, and then, in 2025, he also ticked off the first appearances in the U21 national team.
“I am proud that I got to represent the tricolor. Because I was raised in Canada, but I'm Romanian and I can't even think of playing for any other national team than Romania!
Mr. Curelea invited me to all three actions of the U21 national team this year. I made my debut in a friendly with Serbia, I also played in an official match, with San Marino. And I hope it gets better and better, to convince him through my performances that I deserve to be in the national team,” says Mark.
A year and a half ago he was unknown to Romanian football. He has a restrained, mature enthusiasm, he is not the type to get excited about the achievements so far or to use big words: “I speak best on the field, where it matters. And I hope that in 2026 I will be healthy and grow as a footballer, as a person!
And let's continue on this path with UTA, a club that helped me enormously. I would like us to be able to reach the play-off, it would be sensational for the team, for us, for the supporters, for everyone”.
