“I think it's the perfect way”

Ashley Davis20/01/2026

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Article by Adrian Jitea, Romeo Ene – Published Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 9:16 p.m. / Updated Tuesday, January 20, 2026 9:17 p.m.

Romania was defeated by North Macedoniascore 23-24, in the last stage of the first phase of the European Championship groups in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The “Tricolori” were in a chasing race throughout the match, but they gave way dramatically in the last phase.

It was the last match for the national team for goalkeeper Mihai Popescu (40 years old), who had announced his retirement before the final tournament.

At the very last performance, Popescu finished with a percentage of 35.71% (10 saves from 28 square shots), being named the man of the match!

Mihai Popescu, speech in tears after the last match in the national team shirt: “I retire with my head held high”

After the match with Denmark, Popescu became the Romanian with the most matches played in the final tournaments of this century. On Tuesday, January 20, he ended an exceptional career, after 24 years!

At the end of the road, Popescu explained that he retires with his head held high, being extremely proud of his achievements.

He could no longer control his tears, thanked everyone who was with him on this journey and stated that he will continue his career only at Potaissa Turda, the club team.

“It was incredible what we achieved today. A very good match. For me it was more than 20 years with the national team. I made many sacrifices, I always played with my soul. I retire with my head held high, I'm very proud of what I did for my national team.

I hope the boys will do much better from now on and achieve more than we achieved. I thank my colleagues, coaches, everyone, the medical team, they helped me a lot.

I think it's the perfect way to say goodbye to the team. I will continue with the club team, I will still have the chance to enjoy the matches”, said, in tears, Mihai Popescu, according to sport.ro.