Alexandru Mitriță announced his retirement from the national team.
The 30-year-old player made this decision after Mircea Lucescu did not give him many opportunities recently.
The former Universitatea Craiova player made his debut in the senior team on March 24, 2018, in a friendly match against Israel, won 2-1 under the command of Cosmin Contra. At that time, Mitriță provided an assist.
Over time, he accumulated 25 appearances for the senior national team and scored 4 goals.
His last contribution on the scoresheet came in September 2024, in the 3-1 victory against Lithuania in the Nations League.
Here is Mitriță's letter:
After almost 14 years since I first wore the national team jersey and over 7 years since my debut in the senior team, the time has come to make a tough but necessary decision: I am retiring from the Romanian national team.
I remember with emotion that first call-up to a youth team. I was a child with big dreams, feeling that the world of football was opening up in front of me. The emotions I experienced back then were so intense that even today, after so many years, I feel them just as vividly. Later, when I debuted in the senior team, I truly felt like a footballer. Hearing your anthem and knowing that you carry the hope and pride of an entire country on your shoulders is a feeling that is hard to put into words, but one that I will never forget.
Today, at 30 years old, I am at a point in my career where I have to make difficult choices. I play in China, and the distances are huge. Long journeys and limited time make it extremely challenging to be consistently present in the national team. Furthermore, I know that I only have a few more years of high-level career left and I feel the need to direct all my energy towards my future and my family's future. It is a decision made with a heavy heart, but with the conviction that it is the best for me and my family at this moment in my life. Therefore, I ask you to respect my decision without creating unfounded speculation around it. It would not be beneficial for me or the national team, which needs peace and full support to achieve its goals.
I want to thank the coaches I had the honor to work with. Each of them helped me grow, learn, and give my best for the colors of Romania. I thank all the staff members I collaborated with, who were always there for me when needed. I thank my teammates, with whom I shared the locker room, joys, and disappointments, but especially the unique moments that will bind us for life. And above all, I thank you, the supporters. Without you, football would not have the same beauty. I always felt your support, whether we played at home or far away, and each of your encouragements meant a lot to me.
The national team will always remain in my heart. Even though I will no longer be on the field in the Romanian jersey, I will remain a supporter of the national team and will live with the same emotion for every match of the tricolors. Let's go, Romania!
With respect and gratitude,
Alexandru Mitriță