Article by Romeo Ene – Published on Wednesday, 03 June 2026, 09:34 / Updated on Wednesday, 03 June 2026 09:37
Georgia – Romania 1-1. David Matei (19 years old), the kid from the University of Craiova, made his debut for the national team on Tuesday. The selector Gheorghe Hagi (61 years old) sent him on the field in the 71st minute, instead of Vladimir Screciu. At the end, the midfielder was extremely emotional.
The footballer of the Romanian champion explained how he received the news of the call-up and what Gică Hagi told him a few moments before the debut.
David Matei, the first reaction after debuting with the national team: “I think it's every child's dream”
The coach urged the footballer to be brave and tried to give him as much confidence as possible before this special moment in his life.
“It was a dream come true, I think it's every child's dream when they start playing football to play for the national team and today one of my biggest wishes came true. It is an honor, he is the biggest name in football in Romania, I try to learn as many things as possible from him and from my colleagues.
Mr. Hagi tried to help me a lot, offensively and defensively, to have courage. I received the news of the convocation like a child waiting for a Christmas present, I received it with my family, I hope for as many convocations as possible“, said David Matei, according to as.ro.
Matei played 36 matches for Craiova University in the recently concluded season, during which he scored 5 goals and provided 2 decisive assists. It is quoted by the specialized website Transfermarkt at 900,000 euros.
In the friendly with Georgia, Gică Hagi debuted four players for the national team. It is about Andrei Borza (Rapid), Matei Ilie (CFR Cluj), Otto Hindrich (Legia Warsaw) and David Matei (Universitatea Craiova).
Romania plays the second friendly match of Gheorghe Hagi's tenure on Saturday. The “tricolors” will meet Wales at the Steaua stadium (20:45).
PHOTO GALLERY. The most spectacular images from the Georgia-Romania friendly
