Politehnica persuade Prodan

Traumatic spell 
The 31-year-old had announced his intention to quit football after a traumatic spell in which he parted company with FC National Bucuresti and failed to win a contract with a Chinese club, but was persuaded to join Politehnica on a six-month deal.

Gentle persuasion 
Politehnica's president and assistant coach of the national team, Anton Dobos, managed to convince his former team-mate at FC Steaua Bucuresti to link up with his 24-year-old younger brother Ciprian, a striker at the club, and continue his professional career.

Experienced player 
With 54 international caps, including appearances at the 1994 FIFA World Cup and EURO 96™, Prodan is one of Romania's most successful players. He has scored 13 goals in 152 games in the Romanian First Division, and won five titles with Steaua.

European odyssey 
He moved abroad to play for Spanish side Club Atlético de Madrid, Rangers FC in Scotland and Italy's AC Messina before returning to National. He was recently offered a place on the Bucharest club's board, but turned it down.

Ilie leaves National
Meanwhile, National have also been forced to let go of striker Sabin Ilie. The 27-year-old had been banished to the club's reserve team following arguments with the board, but has successfully ended his contract claiming the club owed him money.