The 41-year-old former Rapid București captain shared candid reflections on adapting to retirement, maintaining an active lifestyle with family and sports like foot tennis and tennis, yet admitting the difficulty of leaving behind the football locker room culture that defined much of his life[1][3]. Săpunaru revealed a poignant moment during an interview when he became emotional discussing his adoptive mother and his humble childhood spent playing football until late hours, highlighting the personal resilience behind his career success[1][3]. As he transitions away from professional football, his story underscores the challenges athletes face in redefining their identity beyond the pitch while retaining a deep connection to the sport and its community.
