Juri Cisotti (32 years old), the FCSB player, was appointed Foreign Footballer of the Year 2025 in GSP Superlatives. He gave an extensive interview in which he talked about his life in Romania and the transition to FCSB, explaining why he accepted without hesitation.
The Italian brought by the Romanian champion a year ago from Oțelul quickly established himself in the starting team, being used in several positions. He spoke with Gazeta Sporturilor and talked about his first impressions of Romanian football and how he sees football in the Super League.
Juri Cisotti praises Romanian football: “It's an “underrated” country”
– You have been in Romania since 2021. What was the first impact?
– It was my first time coming. But I saw a beautiful country.
– You came to Oțelul when the team was in League 3. How was it to receive the offer from a club in League 3?
– I received it in a positive way. I saw that it is a big, traditional team. I saw that it is a team that deserves to be in the first league. And what I read matched what I found. A beautiful city, fans who love the team. I was happy when I came, it was a new challenge for me. And it was a beautiful one.
– How were the seasons in the lower leagues in Romania? What marked you the most?
– It was a beautiful, but also hard time. It wasn't all beautiful, as it is now. The trips were harder, the pitches were not like those in League 1, but it was a good experience that helped me.
– You worked a lot with Dorinel Munteanu. What was that period like?
– It was very nice. Discipline matters a lot to him, and that's the most important thing to me. It was hard, but for me it wasn't too hard. I know you have to make sacrifices and work to get results. He has harsh methods, but he has also had good results.
– How do you like the Superliga?
– It's a very good level. I found a very good football. The fans make a nice atmosphere, you have new stadiums. I think it is an “underrated” country. The football here is very beautiful.
– Which is the most complicated team?
– There are many good teams. The championship is balanced. In every match there can be a surprising result. Every game is hard. There are many very good players, both Romanian and foreign. It's a very good level.
“FCSB will catch the play-off”
– After a new title and a good run in Europe, you started the season by winning the Supercup. A few tough games in the league, qualifying for the Europa League, and then people expected you to come back in the league, but you're still not in the top places. What do you think is the explanation for the disappointing results in the championship?
– I started well this season. We won the Supercup and entered the Europa League group. Yes, we are disappointed that we don't have the results that everyone wants. I don't know why, but we think every day to find a solution. I am positive we will be back.
– How does it feel in the locker room that you're not up there yet?
– For me it is a challenge. It's an extra motivation. We're disappointed, but we're hungry and we want to get back on track.
– Do you think you can't catch the play-off?
– I think we're catching up. We have good team and good players. We have to stay united and the results will come.
– If you enter the play-offs, do you think you will fight for the title again? Now does it help that the points will be halved?
– Let's take it step by step. Let's climb the rankings and then we'll see.
