Article by Romeo Ene – Published on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, 20:18 / Updated on Tuesday, 10 February 2026 20:19
Cristi Săpunaru (41 years old), the former central defender of Rapid, received a surprising offer during this period. Free of contract after parting with Giulești, the footballer has a proposal on the table and could return to the field.
He is being courted by Dunărea Ciocănești, a team from the fourth league from Călărași county, according to aktual24.ro. The team that wants him sapunaru is in first place after 14 stages, with 36 points, and is fighting for promotion to C.
Cristi Săpunaru, offered by Dunărea Ciocănești, fourth league, Călărași county
Săpunaru has not given an answer until now, it remains to be seen if he will accept the original proposal and choose to return to the field.
Ciocănești has a lead of three points over the chaser ACSM Oltenita and five lengths ahead of Spicul Vîlcelele.
Săpunaru was decided to give up his football career at the end of last season, but it remains to be seen if Dunărea Ciocănești will convince him with this project.
Săpunaru did not leave Rapid in the best conditions. At the end of last season, several pictures of the locker room with several empty beer bottles were published.
The former Rapid captain accused the people in the club of defamation and sued Daniel Carciug, the club's commercial director and match organizer.
Săpunaru won 10 trophies in his career, including the Europa League with Porto (2011). With Rapid he won the Romanian Cup and Supercup.
He played 210 games for his soul team, having 16 goals and 4 assists.
I like the sports director and coaching courses, because they are close to football. As a sports director you have to be in the dressing room life, with the players. Same as coach. I would not see myself as secretary general.
– Cristi Săpunaruin November 2025, for GSP.ro
