Adrian Popa a 37-year-old midfielder departure’s from Steaua has sent shockwaves throughout the Romanian football community. The club, currently facing uncertainty in the Liga 2, has released its squad for the new season, and Popa’s name is nowhere to be found. This move has left fans and pundits alike wondering about the team’s chances in the upcoming season. This is not the first time when Adrian Popa departed from Steaua.
The Uncertain Path Ahead
Steaua’s situation remains precarious, as they are at risk of missing out on the promotion to the Liga 1 due to organizational issues. The team finished the previous season in fifth place in the Liga 2 play-offs. With the departure of experienced players like Adrian Popa, the team’s chances of securing promotion seem even more distant.
Popa’s Legacy at Steaua
Adrian Popa’s departure marks the end of an era at Steaua, as he was the most decorated player in the team’s squad. A triple champion of Romania with FCSB, Popa played a total of 98 games for Steaua, scoring 15 goals and providing 9 assists. His experience and skill will be greatly missed on the pitch.
Popa’s second stint with Steaua began in 2021, but he returned to the club in March 2024 under the guidance of coach Daniel Oprița. In the previous season, Popa played 21 games for Steaua, scoring one goal. His departure leaves a void in the team’s midfield, and it remains to be seen how the team will adapt to his absence.
The Summer of Change at Steaua
Adrian Popa’s departure is not the only significant change at Steaua this summer. The team has also lost Adrian Frănculescu, Stephan Drăghici, Andras Huszti, Ruben Lopez, Alex Gualda, Nicolas Popescu, Ianis Doană, and Robert Popescu. This mass exodus has left the team’s fans and coaches uncertain about the team’s prospects for the upcoming season.
In an effort to prepare for the new season, Steaua will hold a training camp from June 22 to July 3, during which they will play friendly matches against CSL Ștefănești, Concordia Chiajna, CS Afumați, CS Tunari, Râmnicu Vâlcea, and CSM Slatina.
As Steaua navigates this uncertain period, one thing is clear: the team’s chances of securing promotion to the Liga 1 are slim. The departure of Adi Popa and other experienced players has left a significant void in the team’s lineup, and it remains to be seen how the team will adapt to this change.