Gigi Becali angered by Florin Tănase: 'I considered him a friend'

A significant relationship between a club owner and a player, that of Gigi Becali and Florin Tănase, appears to be fracturing over contract disputes.

Becali, the owner of FCSB, has publicly expressed his displeasure with Tănase, a key player whose contract is set to expire on June 30. The core of the disagreement seems to stem from the duration of a potential new contract. Tănase has not yet reached an agreement with the club, where he has achieved considerable career success.

Adding to the tension, Tănase did not join the team for their training camp. Becali stated he was surprised by this decision, as he had expected Tănase to participate even without a signed contract, considering their supposed close relationship. Becali mentioned he had told his staff that Tănase would attend training, highlighting his belief in their amicable understanding.

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The football team doesn't depend on 1, 2, 3, or 4 players. I considered Tănase a friend, but I saw that from his point of view, it's not like that. I even told MM [Mihai Stoica] that Tănase would come to the training camp, even if he didn't have a contract. I was surprised that he wasn't at the training camp. I called him, and he told me he wasn't at the training camp because we didn't have a contract. Go train, man, what contract? You know we understand each other, what's the big problem? I can't figure it out, I really didn't expect this. MM said he wouldn't go to the training camp, but I said he definitely would.

Becali further revealed his disappointment that Tănase did not send him a "Happy Birthday" message, contrasting this with the gesture made by another favored player, Darius Olaru, upon his departure. Becali recalled Olaru sending an "impressive" message that he would remember for a lifetime.

The situation has become more complicated as Tănase's demands regarding the contract length have reportedly shifted. Initially seeking a four-year deal, he is now said to be considering a two-year contract. Becali, however, seems unwilling to wait indefinitely, indicating he does not want a player who is not actively training. He expressed a sense of betrayal, stating, "I realized that people are not like me. I have friendship with people, I joke with my friends; I don't joke with those who are not my friends. I really didn't expect this."

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Olaru sent me an impressive message. I will remember this message my whole life. He wrote so beautifully that I can't even repeat it. Tănase should have sent me a birthday message too; I didn't expect it, but it would have been nice. He didn't send anything. I spoke with him today, but he told me he no longer wants a one-year contract; I told him we would do two years, then he told me he would think about it. I told him to think faster because I don't want a player who won't train for two years. He initially said he wanted four years, but now he asked for two years. I realized that people are not like me. I have friendship with people, I joke with my friends; I don't joke with those who are not my friends. I really didn't expect this.