Article by Daniel Grigore – Published Monday, December 29, 2025, 1:26 p.m. / Updated Monday, December 29, 2025, 1:26 p.m.
Without a match since July 2024 after the serious knee injury he suffered at the time, Valentin Țicu (25 years old) remained free of his contract, Petrolul announcing today the premature termination of the agreement due in the summer of 2026. In the parting message, the full-back claimed that during the months spent on the touchline “the way I was viewed changed”.
Raised by Petrolul, promoted to the first team in 2018, Valentin Țicu played 174 times for the team from Ploiesti, in the first three leagues and in the Romanian Cup.
Today, their collaboration has come to an end. In a message published on his social pages, Țicu said that the injury suffered in 2024, which has kept him sidelined for a year and a half, changed the way he was viewed. These claims come in support of those in the announcement of the separation, where the full-back explained that he is leaving in search of minutes.
Valentin Țicu, upon leaving Petrolul: “The accident changed the way I was viewed”
“After junior and 8 years spent in the first team, a defining chapter of my life is coming to an end. Petrol for me was more than a club, it was my 2nd home!
Here I grew up, I was formed as a player and above all as a person. I played from the 3rd league to the first league, wearing the shirt and armband with pride and responsibility!
The injury changed a lot for me and inevitably changed the way I was viewed!
I'm leaving with my head held high, knowing that I did everything I could during this period, even in the most difficult moments.
Thank you to everyone who was part of this journey! Oil will always remain a part of me!”, said the one who before the injury was the captain of the “wolves”.
The supporters “jumped” on the lead
The departure of Țicu did not go down well with the supporters. In the comments section of the termination announcement, they cornered management. Here are some of the comments with the most likes:
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“Hate from the club, he had to be kept in the team”
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“This guy gave his life for the team when he needed it most, through the third division, and now when he needs it the most, Petrol is throwing him away like garbage”
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“Devotion rewarded with the termination of the employment contract”
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“What parent kicks their child out of the house?”
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“Shame and unreal! Zero professionalism and character in this management”
