Cristian Chivu
| Cristian Chivu | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Cristian Eugen Chivu | ||
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Centre Back | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | A.S. Roma | ||
| Number | 13 | ||
| ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of N/A | |||
Cristian Eugen Chivu (born October 26, 1980 in Reşiţa, Romania) is a Romanian footballer who currently plays defender for A.S. Roma in the Italian Serie A.
He first played football as a professional at CSM Reşiţa and later Universitatea Craiova. While at Universitatea Craiova, the Dutch giant Ajax Amsterdam took notice and recruited him in 1999. In the same year, he was chosen to represent Romania Under-20 team.
It was at Ajax when he developed a reputation as a reliable full back. The Ajax manager at that time, Ronald Koeman realized the Romanian's authority on the field and made him captain of the team in 2001. Under Chivu's captainship, Ajax dominated the Dutch Eredivisie for a few years along with the contribution of other sensational young Ajax players such as Rafael van der Vaart and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He has been instrumental in helping Ajax making through to the respected Champions League quarter-finals in 2002.
In 2003, Roma expressed interest in getting Chivu's service. At first, there were a few disputes in the purchase. Roma had an enormous debt and there was a possibility of Roma not being able to pay the promised sum. Later, Roma failed to get a bank guarantee before the transfer deadline. Eventually however, Roma purchased the Romanian for €21m.
Chivu has played for the Romanian national team over 40 times. He played for his country in Euro 2000. He has continually been linked with offers from the likes of Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter Milan but has opted to stay in Rome.
Chivu's skill from set-pieces has added another dimension to his already well-rounded game. He has scored a number of free-kicks for Roma with his deft left-foot shots as he continues to enhance his reputation as one of the finest defenders in Italy.
External links
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