Brother-in-law of Gheorghe Popescu. Nicknamed 'the Maradona of the Carpathians' or 'Maradona of the East' and known as 'Regele' (King) by fans of Steaua. Considered the best Romanian player ever. He founded the Viitorul Constanta, of which he is the owner and president. He has worked as a coach and was the Romania coach (2001-2002). Constantan stadium bears his name.
