Gică Hagi (60 years old), the „King of Romanian football,” was decorated on Wednesday by interim president Ilie Bolojan with the National Order of the Star of Romania as a Knight.
The „King” Hagi was accompanied by his family, as well as friends and important figures in the history of Romanian sports. Nadia Comăneci, Ilie Năstase, Gabi Balint, Ilie Dumitrescu, Mircea Lucescu, Gică Popescu, and Simona Halep were by his side.
Visibly moved, Gică Hagi received the National Order of the Star of Romania as a Knight, the highest distinction of the state, from Ilie Bolojan and declared himself proud.
“It's a special day. I am honored, happy, fulfilled because I have turned 60, and for 50 years I have worked for this moment to come. I thank the President of Romania. Thank you, Romania, for this wonderful day. Thank you to the teachers who brought me, to my colleagues. We need very good teachers. And I believe we have a lot of talent in Romania.”
Gică Hagi offered the president a ball and a jersey with Hagi 10 and an autograph.
Milestones in his playing career:
- Transfer to Steaua Bucharest (1987) – Became the team leader and played in the final of the European Cup in 1989.
- Transfer to Real Madrid (1990) – The first major step in European top football.
- Transfer to FC Barcelona (1994) – Played under Johan Cruyff's command, alongside great football stars.
- 1994 World Cup – Led Romania to the quarter-finals, delivering exceptional performances.
- UEFA Cup with Galatasaray (2000) – Won the first major European trophy for a Turkish team.