Nastase walks out on Dinamo

Defender Valentin Vasile Nastase has left FC Dinamo 1948 Bucureşti after taking responsibility for their failure to reach the group stage.

Widespread hostility
The 32-year-old drew criticism from fans, club directors and coach Mircea Rednic for conceding the penalty that allowed S.S. Lazio to equalise in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie on Tuesday. The Romanian side went on to lose 3-1 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate.

Mutual consent
The most experienced member of the Dinamo squad, he has agreed to tear up his two-year contract by mutual consent, having rejoined the club from Ascoli Calcio 1898 in the summer. "I am shocked by all that has been said about me," said Nastase. "I am not a coward, but I cannot continue to play for Dinamo.

'I am disappointed'
"When you are a defender people notice only the bad things, not what you do well. The coach attacked me in the press, fans abused me and nobody will forget my mistake so I cannot continue. I am disappointed because those who should have supported me, did not. I am responsible for the elimination. I don't know what I will do now." Nastase had returned to Romania in the close season after spells with Genoa CFC, US Città di Palermo, Bologna FC and Ascoli.