Moldovan makes Al-Wahda switch

Romanian striker Viorel Moldovan has signed a one-year contract with Al-Wahda in the United Arab Emirates.

Adventure over
The move signals, at least temporary, the end of Moldovan's European adventure, which took him to the top flight in Romania, Switzerland, England, Turkey and France. Having played for CF Gloria 1922 Bistrita and FC Dinamo Bucuresti in his homeland, the 30-year-old made his way to the Swiss Natinalliga A for spells with Neuchâtel Xamax FC and Grasshopper-Club.

Three seasons
A stint with English club Coventry City FC preceded a move to Fenerbahçe SK of Turkey and Moldovan has spent the past three seasons in Ligue 1 with FC Nantes Atlantique.

'Good contract'
Having been released from his contract at La Beaujoire stadium, Moldovan said: "I have obtained a very good contract, especially in financial terms; far more than I was offered by the European clubs". Moldovan also admitted that Nantes had offered him a contract extension, but that an 80-90 per cent pay cut made the deal impossible to agree. "OK, there is financial crisis," he said. "But everything has a limit."

'New culture'
Speaking of his move to Abu Dhabi, the Romanian international added: "Firstly, Al-Wahda is coached by Frenchman Rolland Courbis, who wanted me at [AC] Ajaccio last season. He left and called me, offering me a deal. I analysed this together with my wife and we agreed that it is about our future. I have two children and I must think of at all aspects. Of course, it's a new adventure, a new culture, but I can say now that I don't regret this move. Here it is paradise".

'Not settle'
Moldovan recently retired from international football and is not setting his sights on a lengthy career in the UAE. "I will not settle down in the Emirates because I want to go back to France," he said.