At 32, Gabi Iancu, a Romanian soccer player, discussed his overseas experiences on the GSP podcast “2 la 1,” recounting a particularly harrowing period spent in Chechnya.
Iancu, who was the top scorer in the 2019/’20 Superligii season with 18 goals, played abroad in three instances: with Karabukspor (Turkey), Nieciecza (Poland), and Akhmat Grozny (Russia).
The striking reality he faced in the capital of Chechnya shocked him deeply. Transferred from Viitorul (now Farul) in 2021 for half a million euros, Iancu was initially the leading scorer in the domestic league.
Witnessing Armed Guards in Grozny
“In Chechnya, it felt like a state within a state. I was shocked by two men stationed with sniper rifles on the building,” he explained. “The residential complex housed politicians and players alike, surrounded by high walls and barbed wire, with parks on either side.”
He learned from teammates that prior to his arrival, an attempt was made by someone to enter the complex with a knife, resulting in a shooting from a guard above.
“I observed the guards with sniper rifles. They would switch shifts every 12 hours, keeping a close watch overhead,” Iancu added.
He noted the demeanor of the local men: “They dress in black, military colors, and project a tough image. But they are surprisingly gentle with children.”
I initially hesitated to bring my child there, but they proved to be kind, far more welcoming than I anticipated,” Iancu reflected during the podcast.
Chechnya, a republic within the Russian Federation located in the North Caucasus, has a tumultuous history marked by two devastating wars in the 1990s when it sought independence from Russia. Today, it is predominantly Muslim and ruled by the controversial Ramzan Kadyrov, an ally of Vladimir Putin, under an authoritarian regime.
Challenges on the Field
Due to the pandemic, Iancu shared his struggles with transfer negotiations. Despite finishing the season with 20 goals and 11 assists, he faced a position shift to a defensive midfielder, which did not suit him.
“I was expected to adapt to a new role playing centrally defensively, which was a departure from my natural position. When I discussed the positioning over the phone, I was told they played a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation. But they actually played a 5-4-1,” he recalled.
“I found myself far away from the opponent’s goal, primarily in a defensive role. Eventually, I decided to leave on loan to continue playing and returned to Farul,” he concluded.
Iancu also expressed regret for not receiving the top scorer award in Liga 1, stating, “I was told it wasn’t awarded during that period, much like Lewandowski not winning the Ballon d’Or.”
About Gabi Iancu
Iancu has played for several Romanian teams including FCSB, FC Voluntari, Dunărea Călărași, FCU Craiova, and Hermannstadt, and currently plays for Concordia Chiajna. He is recognized as the first significant player launched by Hagi Academy, sold to FCSB in 2013 for €500,000. He has achieved notable success, including four titles with FCSB and participation in the Champions League with the same club.
He has made four appearances for the Romanian national team and eight for the U21 team.
