Ioan Andone, Nostalgic About His Time at CFR. How He Made a Fortune in Cluj: 'I Earned the Most Money. Almost Like the Arabs!'

Ioan Andone, a name synonymous with success at CFR Cluj, looks back with a distinct fondness on his time with the "railwaymen." The 66-year-year-old former coach, speaking years after his departure, shared insights into the lucrative environment fostered by then-owner Arpad Paszkany. Andone's revelations paint a picture of a club that rewarded its players and staff handsomely, with bonuses for league titles and cups that, he admits, rivaled even the earnings typically found in Arab footballing nations.

“

La CFR, prima pentru câștigarea campionatului era de 50.000 de euro. În funcție și de minute. Mai aveam și 25.000 pentru câștigarea Cupei. Când am făcut eventul, în 2008, prima cumulată era de 75.000.

His account highlights the generous financial incentives, detailing sums like 50,000 euros for a championship win and 25,000 for a cup victory. The combined bonus for the historic 2008 double was a substantial 75,000 euros. Andone even recounted how he would advocate for specific players, with Paszkany sometimes exceeding his proposals, demonstrating a commitment to rewarding merit and effort, even for players who had risen through the ranks from lower divisions. This personal touch and financial largesse clearly left a lasting impression on Andone, who considers Paszkany one of the best owners he encountered.

“

La CFR Cluj am câștigat cei mai mulți bani din carieră. Aproape la nivelul țărilor arabe, sincer spun. Foarte bine am câștigat.

Beyond the financial aspect, Andone touched upon Paszkany's eventual withdrawal from the football world. He shared a rarely-heard reason: Paszkany's perceived limit on what a Romanian team could achieve in European competitions. According to Andone, Paszkany felt that reaching the group stages was the ceiling, and the prospect of pushing further into semifinals or finals seemed unattainable, leading him to step away. This perspective, while perhaps tinged with the realities of Romanian football's standing, underscores the ambition and eventual frustration that can accompany ownership at this level. Andone's reflections offer a valuable glimpse into a golden era for CFR Cluj, marked by both sporting triumphs and significant financial rewards.

“

Motivul principal pentru care s-a retras - n-am mai spus nimănui, dar acum pot să spun, că a trecut atâta timp - a fost pentru că a văzut că nu poate duce o echipă din România într-o finală sau semifinală de cupă europeană.