Profile

The captain of Romania's most successful club, FC Steaua Bucureşti, since 2003, Mirel Rădoi has also served his country with distinction for many years. He has had injury problems over the past couple of seasons which is the chief reason why the classy utility player only featured in two of Romania's UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying ties.

Made his debut in Romania's top division with FC Extensiv Craiova in March 2000 before Steaua snapped him up a few months later.

His first coach at Steaua was Victor Piţurcă, under whom he won the league title in his first season at club.

Rapid rise accelerated by international debut in December 2000 and impressive presence in 2002 FIFA World Cup campaign – made competitive debut in 2-0 home defeat by Italy but won the four other qualifying matches he played in.

Made eight appearances in UEFA EURO 2004 preliminaries, scoring first international goal in 7-0 win v Luxembourg.

Further titles, with Steaua in 2005 and 2006; also skippered team to 2005/06 UEFA Cup semi-finals.

Missed entire 2007/08 UEFA Champions League with knee injury, having made only two appearances in 2006/07 competition – also because of injury.

Did you know?

Charismatic Steaua owner Gigi Becali acted as Rădoi's godfather when he got married.