Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published on Saturday, 06 June 2026 23:08 / Updated on Saturday, 06 June 2026 23:11
The hero of the “tricolors” was central defender Adrian Rus, the author of the decisive goal, and at the end of the game he spoke about the team's success, his return to the national team and the impact of the new coach.
Adrian Rus, after Romania – Wales 2-1: “I'm glad that I also got the chance after two years”
The defender of Craiova University returned to the national team shirt after a long period and managed to score the goal that brought victory to Gheorghe Hagi's team.
“It's a hard win, a hard-earned win, but it was worth it. There was a lot of running and mister gave chances to all the players. I am glad that I also got the chance after two years and I am happy that I signed up. The important thing is that we won.
I really worked on the set pieces these days and before the match with Georgia I worked on them. If you have a good dynamic in the box, you don't necessarily have their size or the English, but the important thing is to be aggressive in the box and attack the ball.”
Asked about his success, which came after a cross from his colleague from Craiova, David Matei, Rus said that he could have scored one more time.
“I could have scored the double, also thanks to Matei's pass. I'm glad I scored and I hope we can bring Romania as many victories as possible.
It's a pride for me to be here, even if I wasn't from the first on the final list. I'm glad mister counted on me and I'll give everything for this shirt as many times as it summons me.
I found a good spirit and it shows that it is a new beginning. His spirit of mystery is a good one and I'm glad he wants to bring out the best in us“, said Rus during the flash interview on Prima TV.
Adrian Rus revealed what Gheorghe Hagi asks of them at every meeting
After the match, the defender also explained what are the main messages that the coach constantly conveys to the players.
“From all defenders, it requires us to be defenders. Then to have the ball, to build. A lot of times when you can't play up front, to have possession and win our duels, because that's the most important thing for a defender.
He imposes himself on us at every meeting and tells us that we are or will be the best if we have confidence and courage.”
Finally, Adrian Rus also spoke about his return to the Super League, after his experience in Italy, admitting that at first he saw the move as a setback in his career.
“It was a very good year, I think the best year of my career. Even though, honestly, I thought I had taken a step back by returning from Italy to Romania, now I can say that I have taken two steps forward and I am happy that I also extended my contract with the University of Craiova.”
