He played 13 games in his country's three World Cup finals appearances in the 1990s and in every match at Euro 96 as he edges towards the magic 100 caps.

Adept either as a centre-back or as a sweeper, he has won league titles at Steaua Bucharest, PSV Eindhoven and Galatasaray, as well as a Uefa Cup Winners' Cup during a short spell with Barcelona - and again this summer when Galatasaray beat Arsenal thanks to his goal in the Final.

Only a year at Ossie Ardiles' Tottenham failed to bring reward. Despite his declining pace, he remains an integral figure in the Romanian defence and is nicknamed Baciul ('The Leader').

Worked hard and closed down quickly on the Portugese, an important part of Romania's performance.