Rapid Bucharest Prepares for Cristian Sapunaru’s Emotional Farewell Match
As the football world pays tribute to Cristian Sapunaru’s illustrious career, Rapid Bucharest’s manager, Marius Sumudica, has shared his thoughts on the upcoming farewell match for the 41-year-old defender. According to reports from Sport.ro, Sumudica expressed his admiration for Sapunaru, highlighting the significance of the match for both the player and the team.
In an interview with Sport.ro, Sumudica revealed that he has not noticed any signs of emotional distress in Sapunaru, attributing this to the discussions the defender has had with the club’s management, including Dan Sucu and Victor Angelescu. "Sapunaru will receive as many minutes as he deserves, we have no plan," Sumudica stated. "He is the team’s captain, and this is his last match with Rapid. I have spoken with him individually and in front of the group, and he seems to be handling the situation well."
The manager also expressed his own emotional connection to Sapunaru, having worked with him for an extended period. "He is our leader, my leader in the locker room, a boy I have trained, taken with me to Turkey, and he has been my pupil for a long time," Sumudica said, as quoted by Sport.ro. "I hope this moment will be special and will be crowned with a victory. It’s different when you retire and receive three points as a gift and the ovations of the fans."
When asked about the possibility of shedding tears during the match, Sumudica responded, "At ‘Surprize, Surprize,’ I used to watch and hide from my wife and children. I admit, that’s who I am, and maybe that’s how I appear on the outside, but deep down, I have moments of weakness. That’s human, that’s Sumudica, and I couldn’t act, as I would have to put lemon in my eyes to make tears flow." As reported by Sport.ro, the manager expressed his confidence that the fans will create a memorable atmosphere for Sapunaru’s farewell match.
The match against CFR Cluj will mark the end of an era for Sapunaru, who has been a stalwart figure in Rapid’s defense. As the team prepares to bid farewell to their beloved captain, Sumudica is optimistic about the match, stating, "I am convinced that the fans will make a special spectacle." With the team’s support, Sapunaru will look to sign off in style, and Sport.ro will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the event.
In conclusion, as Rapid Bucharest prepares to honor Cristian Sapunaru’s remarkable career, manager Marius Sumudica has paid tribute to the defender’s dedication and leadership. As reported by Sport.ro, Sumudica’s comments highlight the significance of the match for both Sapunaru and the team, and fans will be eagerly anticipating a memorable farewell performance.
