“I'm waiting for the Berlin marathon”

From this year, he moves his energy and discipline towards two directions that define his next chapter: family and marathons. In an interview for Gazeta Sporturilor, Râpa talks about time, recovery, balance and the desire to stay in sports, not necessarily on the field, but on the sidelines, in the role of coach.

In parallel, he discovered what a marathon entails, not only physically, but also internally. Bucharest showed him how brutal such a test can be, and Berlin, which he has scheduled for next year, smiles at him.

In reality, says the former international, it is a battle with the body, but especially with yourself. About running as a form of personal knowledge, about what it means to stop playing but stay connected to football and about today's Steel, in the following lines.

Cornel Râpă, in preparation for the Berlin marathon

– Cornel, what's next for you in 2026? You are coming after a year in which you put an end to your playing career.
– In 2026, I want to enjoy more time with my family, I will also finish the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, I am a student at the Romanian-American University, and then I want to go on the path of coaching. From what I've seen with my friends, it's a long period and it takes time. The first time I have to get my trainer's card.

– Do you intend to continue participating in marathons?
– Yes, I like to run, go to the gym, take care of myself, in a word. I don't think I will participate in the Bucharest marathon, it seemed like a difficult test, especially because there are not many participants. Instead, I am preparing for the half marathon, which will take place in the spring. Next year, the Berlin marathon is also waiting for me, it's more accessible. I also have to fight the thought, people don't really know, but it's quite painful to finish a marathon. It's physical pain, but also emotional, so I have to think carefully if I'm able to go through all these states again.

– Why is she also emotional? Less is said about this side.
– At some point, you feel like giving up and you think how long you've been training, 3-4 months, it's a very high consumption, you don't have days off, plus recovery. A lot of sacrifice, it's a consumption even before, and during the race there are moments when your legs don't listen to you anymore. It's not a profit, I do it only for myself and to know my body, to see what the limit is. For no one else.

– Now I remember. After Italy – Romania 1-1, that friendly in which you made your debut for the national team in 2010, you declared that “running” is your strong point, of the players since then. Have you always loved running?
– Yes. I've always liked to be physically fit to compensate. If you're level, you hold up differently in duels. During this period, it is very important how you present yourself one-on-one and football is more dynamic. It was the period with Dorinel, then with Thomas Neubert at FCSB, in Poland, again, the condition you are in matters a lot, so these steps took me in one direction.

9Cornel Râpă, raised by Oțelul Galați, has many trophies in his career: 4 championships in Romania, two League Cups, a Romanian Cup, a Cup and a Polish Supercup. With FCSB he was champion three consecutive seasons: 2013, 2014 and 2015.

• He also evolved over time at UTA from July 2024, when he transferred from Krakow, where he had played between 2018-2024. Also in Poland, he wore the jersey of Pogon Szczecin.

“Steel, example of scouting”

– How do you like Steel today? Do you still have connections at the club?
– I am still in touch with Cristi Sârghi and Neagu, who are in the club. A lot has changed, you see, many of the employees have retired. They invited me to the last home game this year, but unfortunately I couldn't make it. I am on good terms. In the city, I come back for my parents, for the holidays, from time to time. It has changed for the better. Let's hope that something will be done with the stadium.

– Today's team is different, do you like it? Now there are many Portuguese, there are also critics from this point of view.
– You have nothing to say to them, everything works as it should. It's a mature team, with possession, and with Rapid it was seen at its best, it dominated copiously. It's also an example of scouting, if you will. Know that the people there also worked in Poland, at Radomiak Radom, and managed to bring interesting players there as well.

– Do you think he catches the play-off?
– It's a big fight. It is not known, it depends a lot on the first results from the beginning of next year. I hope I love Steel and I watch it.

“FCSB is on the comeback”

– Do you follow FCSB? Do you have a favorite?
– He's coming back. Crețu has impressed me so far, he is rising to a very good level, now I don't know what strategy you guys have, but he is still a viable option and that says a lot about him. Gigi Becali is probably also thinking about transfers, what he can improve, maybe he wants to make a mix between experience and new players, who knows?! I also liked Olaru, especially in the match with Rapid. It's the one we all know from before the injury.

Cornel Râpa, facing, next to Tamaș

– Under what conditions did you part with UTA? At one point, you were in a dispute with the club.
– Yes, it's resolved. I am glad that the debts have been paid. Good work is done in Arad, it is a club of professionals, with knowledgeable and passionate people. It can also be seen in the ranking.