Sanmartean sets sights high
Thursday, July 17, 2003
Article summary
Romanian playmaker Lucian Sanmartean has joined Greek side Panathinaikos FC.
Article body
Link with Lincar
The former Romania Under-21 captain has signed a three-year contract with the option of a further two years with the Athens club. Sanmartean becomes the second Romanian at Panathinaikos, linking up with fellow midfield player Erik Lincar.
Ready to go
Sanmartean, 23, is expected to join his new colleagues at their pre-season training camp in Switzerland today. He said: "I have come to a big European club. Moving to Panathinaikos is a very important step in my career and I feel confident and ready to contribute to my new team."
European goal
Capped once by his country in a November 2002 friendly against Croatia, the Bistrita-born Sanmartean represented Gloria in this season's UEFA Intertoto Cup. He scored in their second round second-leg draw with Brescia Calcio last Saturday, but the Italian side went through 3-2 on aggregate. Sanmartean will, however, be eligible to play for Panathinaikos in the UEFA Champions League.
