The defensive stopper will feel at home in the Low Countries this summer as he plays his club football at Standard Liege.
The Belgian side signed him from Dynamo Bucharest in October 1999 following spells at National Bucharest and Pandurii Targu Jiu.
He is a regular in the Romanian rearguard, making his debut in 1997 against Macedonia and featuring four times at France 98 as a replacement for the injured Daniel Prodan.
Moved forward to score in the final warm-up match against Greece, which will have done his confidence a lot of good.
Came in against the Italians after losing his place and suffered at the hands of two great strikers. A lack of understanding in the centre contributed to both goals.