“Annoying!” » What he learned at Benfica

Mario Tudose, 20 years old, is one of the great hopes of Romanian football. And in the last few months there have been discussions, many discussions, about a possible transfer of the talented defender to one of the giants of the championship.

Mario Tudose, interview for GSP.ro in Antalya: what is the man behind the footballer like

First, a whole telenovela was woven about a transfer to FCSB. Then, Dinamo also entered “by wire”. But Mario continues under the command of Bogdan Andone in Trivale, and in the spring season he will fight for the play-offs.

Yesterday, the president Dani Coman publicly announced that they only have discussions for Tudose. That's it. No concrete, written offer. Let's hear from Mario to see what he thinks of all the shenanigans of the last few months and most of all, discover what plans and ideas he has!

24of matches and an assist collected by Mario Tudose in this season of L1 and the Romanian Cup in the white-violet shirt

What Mario Tudose wants for 2026: “Quiet. And I hope with all my heart that we make the play-offs”

– Mario, what do you want for 2026?
– I wish you a lot of peace.

– Here, I think I understand where you're going.
– I want us to perform with FC Argeș, to catch the play-off. There are still nine matches (from the regular season) and, why not?, let's have a long journey in the Romanian Cup.

– Would it be a big surprise to catch the play-off with a newly promoted team?
– It would be somewhat of a surprise, from the perspective of the fact that we are newly promoted. No one expected us to be 5th at the end of the year, no one expected us to make the play-offs. I think we have a good team and I really hope we make the playoffs.

1million euros is Mario Tudose's share according to transfermarkt

Mario Tudose on his story with FCSB: “It was a real interest, it didn't materialize, that's it, life goes on”

– It seems that in the last few days no information related to a transfer of yours appeared… That you kept talking about peace.
– Do you realize that … It's a bit annoying to sit all day and read all kinds of articles, I don't even know how true they are, just to write some stuff. OK, it doesn't affect me professionally. But, when an article appears, one, another, friends call you, “it's true, it's not true”…

– Now, you know how it is, and Gigi Becali, and various football people fed the media with all kinds of information about the interest in you, these discussions.
– OK, I understand. Except that the story with Steaua (n.red FCSB) was in the summer. Since then I know nothing. And things are still being written about me.

– And Dinamo also appeared.
– Yes, I noticed this too.

– What do you think will happen?
– I focus on FC Argeș. If I have to leave, now, in a year or two, you will be the first (laughs) to find out one hundred percent. I'm in Pitesti, I'm trying to do my job as well as possible, and if a good, irresistible offer appears, maybe then I'll leave.

– After all, what happened in the summer? Tell us your version.
– If each side came with its own story, what can I tell you?! (laughs) I don't know the story well either. It was a real interest, it didn't materialize, that's it, life goes on.

– Are you sorry it didn't materialize?
– Steaua (n.red FCSB) is a big team, like all from Bucharest, but I am FC Argeș's player, I have a contract… If FC Argeș accepts the offer, I will leave, if not, no. That's it.

It's too early now to talk about myself in the national team, that big one. Every athlete wants to represent their country, but I have to wait my turn. I'm in the youth team, there I hope to play as well as possible
Mario Tudose, FC Argeș defender

Mario Tudose in 3 words: “Quiet, patient and intelligent”

– How would you describe yourself in three words?
– Quiet, patient and intelligent.

– How much time do you allocate per day, per week to the Internet and if it affects you?
– I stay… quite a while. I think we all look at social media.

– Do you get positive or negative messages when interacting with fans?
– In general, positive, although there are still people who judge you, that's the life of a footballer. There will always be people who judge you.

– Do you have a stable relationship or do you have many requests from young ladies?
– I don't have a stable relationship, nor do I want a stable relationship. (laughs) A question…

– I wanted to ask you to find out what you focus on.
– Aaa, on football, on family, otherwise, I don't really give importance to these things related to girls or other nonsense, so to speak.

In the recent history of the national team, I enjoyed the Euro 2024 matches. I remember enjoying a national team match, 3-0 against Hungary, many years ago in 2013
Mario Tudose, FC Argeș defender

Mario Tudose grew up in Portugal for two years, at Benfica: “You learn to handle any situation”

– What is the best advice for parents?
– To always have faith in myself. And that they are the only ones who want me well.

– How was the time spent at Benfica? A huge club you got to at a young age.
– I left when I was 16. Initially, I did not give much importance to the offer, but I realized very soon that you rarely come across such a situation. A great opportunity. It wasn't easy. I didn't know English well then, without family, I was just staying at the academy. To get out of there I needed a statement from my guardian, normal stuff after all. They pay money on a player and they have to take care of every detail.

– What did you learn there?
– To handle any situation. I spent two years alone, away, a difficult time. It is not easy for any child to leave the family. It was more difficult for me at the beginning, then you get used to it, you also learn the language, easily, easily you adjust. It's not because you're Romanian that you find it hard to fit in, you end up fighting. I also learned Portuguese, I was doing well.

I liked a lot in Portugal that it was nice weather, mostly. Welcoming people, who didn't judge you for being Romanian or any other nation. At Benfica you learn what big football is from an early age
Mario Tudose, FC Argeș defender

Where does Mario Tudose see himself in 5 years: “In a good European championship. I'm working for my dreams”

– Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
– I see myself in a good European championship.

– And in your personal life?
– I let things come by themselves and what God wants.

– Do you have a motto?
– To work for my dreams and never give up.

– Do you hope to play for Benfica's first team someday?
– Any footballer would like to reach such a level. Benfica is a big club, Champions League, title holder in a strong championship like that of Portugal.

When I was little I really liked Cristiano Ronaldo. And as a central defender – Van Dijk. The one from a year ago, I think he was the most complete central defender
Mario Tudose, FC Argeș defender