Determined Dragos eager to celebrate first win with ‘unbelievable’ Chennaiyin fans

Chennai, November 20, 2019: Dragos Firtulescu wears his heart on his sleeve. Someone who strikes a fine balance between being high on emotion and keeping a calm head, Dragos opens up with us on his mentality and thought process given the club’s disappointing start to the season. And much like his personality, he is certain the future is bright and an upturn in fortunes is imminent.

“True, this is a very bad start to our season. We haven’t even scored one goal in four games. We are all players with good qualities and technique, but we’ve needed some time to get accustomed to each other. In a league like the ISL, we don’t have too much of time. But despite our current situation, football has shown us time and again that anything can happen. For us it is important to give our 100% and have no regrets,” said the 30-year-old Romanian.

Already a fan favourite, Dragos was one of the few CFC players to opt against heading home for a short break as the international fixtures were played out around the world. “It was a conscious decision to not go back during the international break. I believe I needed to train harder and give my everything. Sacrifices are important sometimes. That being said, I am also sure that all the players who spent time away with their loved ones will also come back with more positive energy and will be much improved. We are a good team with good players, and we are all united,” said an extremely determined Dragos.

Despite the tough start to the campaign, Dragos has been blown away by the positivity and support from the Chennaiyin faithful. Labelling them ‘unbelievable’, Dragos confesses he is sometimes out of words at their constant involvement and passion. “From the fans, I receive so many good messages with good words. At the same time, I also accept the bad messages because I believe I deserve them. I sincerely wish to make them happy in the coming games because seeing smiles on their faces will make me twice as much happy. It is absolutely amazing to see the kind of support we have. They give me all the motivation to work harder. Soon I wish to be celebrating our first goal and first victory with them, as that is the most important thing of all!” he shared.

Along with the fans, Dragos made a special mention of all the other stakeholders of the club as well. Despite the ups and downs, he is grateful to be a part of the club, and is certain better times lie in wait. “We have great staff, great owners, for me this is the perfect place to be and I am really thankful. I think we have got the necessary time to get to know each other better, we are more of a family now. Right now, not getting the first goal or first win is a big barrier for us to overcome. But don’t worry, we will break this barrier very soon. It happens in football; we have to be strong!” Dragos resolved.

Dragos along with the rest of the first team squad was back in training following the international and was put through their paces by the gaffer John Gregory. They will be back in action at home, against Hyderabad FC on Monday November 25 at the Marina Arena.