Gică Hagi (59 years old) has declined the offer to become the head coach of the Romanian national team.
In an official statement, Gică Hagi announced on Monday that he turned down the offer made by the Romanian Football Federation (FRF) to take over the position of head coach, replacing EdI Iordănescu.
Hagi specified that the ambitious project at Farul, which he started, is the reason why he said "no" to the Romanian national team.
"Dear Romanian supporters, following the recent discussions regarding the Romanian Football Federation's desire for me to be the new head coach of Romania, I would like to clarify the following:
- In the past few days, I have considered this possibility because, on one hand, certain conditions of the F.R.F needed to be met, and on the other hand, there is the project that I started at Farul Constanța three years ago, where I aim to build a strong club.
- For this reason, I have decided that I cannot accept the Romanian Football Federation's proposal to be the head coach of the national team at this moment.
- It has certainly been one of the most difficult decisions I have made in my entire career, as the Romanian national team represents the dream of every Romanian coach.
- "I thank all those who have been by my side during these days. Let's go, Romania!" the statement from Gică Hagi reads.
Therefore, the FRF will have to look towards another name for the technical bench of the national team.
Gică Hagi was the head coach of the Romanian national team for a short period, from September to November 2001.