Article by Romeo Ene – Published on Monday, 26 January 2026, 08:04 / Updated on Monday, 26 January 2026 08:04
Before the match, coach Daniel Pancu (48 years old) had a complicated decision to make: to keep Octavian Vâlceanu (29 years old), who had performed excellently in the match with Oțelul, in goal, or to debut Popa, who has not played an official match for many months.
Mihai Popa, statements after FCSB – CFR Cluj 1-4: “No one treats you like at home abroad”
He went for the second option and won. Popa closed the goal and was one of the highlights of the match at the National Arena.
In the end, he explained the reason why he did not adapt in Italy and had to return to the country.
“It's good to win against a European team. We started badly but we were strong mentally, only the mind can get you back into the game. This showed that we are a very strong team that deserves to be in the play-offs.
The most spectacular parade was the one against Tavi Popescu. It was also very important. The people from CFR Cluj contacted me again and that's why I chose to come back here. Abroad it is very difficult. You have to learn the language, nobody treats you like home“, declared Mihai Popa, CFR's goalkeeper.
Astra Giurgiu, Farul, Rapid, Voluntari, CFR Cluj and Torino are the clubs for which Popa played throughout his career.
He came to Gruia to replace Otto Hindrich, who was transferred by Cluj to Legia Warsaw. Popa signed a contract valid until 2028.
500,000 eurosit's Mihai Popa's share, according to Transfermarkt
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