At 36 years old, Paul Papp expresses his desire to continue playing professional football for another two to three years. As he prepares for his 300th Superliga match at the Ilie Oană Stadium against Rapid on Friday, Papp reflects on his journey in an interview with GSP.ro.
Reaching 300 matches in Superliga is a significant milestone for Papp, who acknowledges the challenges he faced along the way, such as starting out with second-hand football boots stitched with fishing nylon. He recalls sharing a bag of snacks with his siblings during their childhood.
From Dej to Botoșani and Vaslui, and stints in Serie A, Astra, FCSB, and the national team, Papp’s career has encountered various ups and downs. He has won trophies, debuted for Romania, and faced mistakes that still weigh on him.
Reflecting on his career, Papp states, “It’s a very important milestone. I’m proud of it and want to keep playing! Looking back, it was a beautiful adventure, with ups and downs. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and will continue on this path.”
When asked about changes over the years, he notes, “I’ve changed a lot. I’ve gained experience and wisdom. I see things differently and have matured greatly, understanding football and life better.” His motivation to attend training daily, even in tough conditions, stems from his family. He wants to demonstrate to his children that it is possible to perform at a high level, regardless of age.
Current Season and Team Dynamics
Papp describes the start of the current season as decent but believes there is room for improvement. He sees new teammates gradually integrating and acknowledges the need to refine certain details under the new coaching staff. The atmosphere in the team remains positive despite previous challenges.
As for his ambition to play longer, Papp is clear: “I’m motivated, I want to play for another two or three years. Once I feel I can no longer perform or lack motivation, I will step back. But right now, I am very motivated; my children drive me. I have a son who plays football and a daughter who plays handball. I want to show them that it’s possible to be at a high level at an older age.”
At this stage in his career, Papp emphasizes the importance of discipline, proper nutrition, and self-care to maintain physical fitness and avoid injuries. He engages in weight training twice a week, along with his regular training sessions.
Reflecting on his childhood, Papp shares that he began helping his family financially from the age of 14, emphasizing the grounded mentality that came from a challenging upbringing. He recalls, “We didn’t have much, but we learned to share and appreciate what we had. If I had a bag of snacks, I would share it with my siblings and we were happy.”
Looking Ahead
Papp acknowledges that the mentality surrounding sports has shifted. He notes that children today give up too easily and that parents sometimes contribute to this issue by moving children from team to team when they face challenges. He stresses the importance of perseverance and learning from setbacks.
Despite the obstacles, Papp understands that discipline and hard work are key to success in football. He hopes to instill these values in his own children as they pursue their passions.
As he plans for the future, Papp considers coaching after his playing career, having already completed his coaching school and earned a C license. He expresses enthusiasm for the possibility of guiding the next generation of players.
Ultimately, with 299 appearances and counting, Paul Papp’s journey in the Superliga reflects not only his individual accomplishments but also his resilience and commitment to the sport he loves.
