Searching for Mitriță’s “Source of Strength”: Guidance from Two Generations of Romanian Stars, Mental Fortitude as the Key to an Outstanding Player

Written by Zuo Rui In 11 matches, with 8 goals and 4 assists, Mitriță, who joined Zhejiang Greentown just this summer, has undoubtedly become the most efficient striker in the current Chinese Super League. Standing 1.67 meters tall and weighing 67 kilograms, this player over 30 years old has become one of the most exciting figures in the entire league through his hardworking attitude, explosive acceleration, exquisite technique, and remarkable goals.

On the evening of the 20th, Alexandru Mitriță once again radiated immense energy and star quality in Changchun. Besides scoring a brilliant long-range curved shot, he fought tirelessly from start to finish, even when two teammates were gradually reduced, even when physically competing against opponents much stronger than himself, and even when contesting aerial duels against defenders significantly taller than him, until his team equalized 3-3 in stoppage time.

At the final whistle, Mitriță joyfully kicked the ball high into the night sky. In an exclusive interview with Football Newspaper after the match, the Romanian small forward of Zhejiang Greentown shared the secret behind his boundless energy.

At the lush, green, and picturesque Zhongtai Base, the football school’s children of various ages are only a few football pitches away from the Zhejiang first team players. Without a doubt, players like Wang Yudong and Cheng Jin serve as role models for the youth teams. However, starting from the second half of the 2025 season, these kids have added a new idol from Eastern Europe to their list.

Since Mitriță joined, Zhejiang Greentown’s first team has seen a significant boost in attacking strength. Coincidentally or not, the three Zhejiang National Games teams built mainly from the Zhejiang youth squads—U20, U18, and U16—have all qualified for the National Games finals. Recently, the club’s U13 team also secured the runner-up position in their age group at the China Youth Tournament. Upon hearing this news, Mitriță congratulated the youngsters around him, emphasizing that “the attitude of striving to win in any match or challenge is vital for young players. At their age, maintaining focus on both training and academics plays a crucial role in their future development.”

Focus and discipline have always been standard for professional players. According to Mitriță’s childhood coach cited by Romanian media, this small-framed boy hid a fierce determination and never stayed up late playing as a child. Even club colleagues at Zhejiang Greentown observe that despite exhausting travel and late arrivals at the hotel, he always wakes up on time for breakfast. Surely, the kids in Zhejiang Greentown’s youth system would be curious how he manages this?

Besides Romania, Mitriță has played in leagues in Italy, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Greece. He said, “I have been to many countries, and the environment for development is crucial for anyone. Your lifestyle habits, self-discipline, sleep routines, training standards, and mental toughness all greatly influence a young player’s growth. So if I had to give advice to kids, I believe that strong willpower and spirit are the keys to becoming an excellent footballer.”

Twenty-five years ago, at just 5 years old, Mitriță began his foundational training. Before starting his professional career, he studied at two football schools in his home country named after world-class Romanian stars Popescu and Hagi. In his memory, both schools offered excellent environments and highly professional conditions. “At Zhejiang Professional Football Club, I also saw football schools with comparable facilities and conditions, which are very important for young players’ future development into outstanding athletes.”

Gheorghe Hagi, nicknamed the “Maradona of the Carpathians,” is not only Romania’s greatest footballer in history but also the most famous and beloved Romanian worldwide. When Hagi shone at the 1994 World Cup in the USA, Mitriță had not yet been born; he arrived a year later.

Although he never watched Hagi play in the World Cup, Hagi has been very important to Mitriță’s career. “When I attended Hagi’s football school, he helped me a lot and personally promoted me to the school’s first team, which marked my debut in official matches,” he said. “I am always grateful to Hagi. Throughout my career, I have benefited greatly from him.”

Another Romanian star who profoundly influenced Mitriță’s life was Ilie Balaci. Chinese fans may know little about Ilie, but this two-time Romanian Footballer of the Year from the 1980s and a legendary figure left advice so meaningful that Mitriță tattooed it on the back of his neck and keeps it close to his heart.

“Ilie Balaci was Romania’s finest professional player and a legend at Universitatea Craiova. Three days before he passed away seven years ago, a conversation with him left a lifelong impression on me.” At that time, 23-year-old Mitriță had been released by Serie A club Pescara and loaned back to the Romanian league, going through a low point in his career at Universitatea Craiova.

Ilie told the young player: “Never forget to enjoy the game.” Soon after officially transferring to Universitatea Craiova, Mitriță experienced his first career peak: 16 goals in 38 matches, winning the Romanian Cup as the best player on the pitch, and later leading the team as captain to become runners-up in the Romanian Super Cup. “I have tattooed Ilie’s advice on myself. This is why I can always adjust my mindset and emotions to play well for my team every minute under any circumstances.”

Mitriță also idolizes Lionel Messi, who is eight years his senior. From the small Argentine star, he sees many things he can learn. “I have learned a lot from many people, especially for young players growing up, idols have an undeniable driving force and influence on oneself.”

The performances of these two generations of idol stars in the World Cup have inspired Mitriță’s sincere desire to represent Romania’s national team. He said that driven by the power of his idols, he set the dream from childhood to lead his national team to the World Cup stage.

Earlier this month, during the European qualifiers for the World Cup, he returned to Romania full of anticipation to showcase his skills. However, the national team coach Lucescu only gave him thirty minutes as a substitute in a friendly against Canada and no playing time against Cyprus in the qualifiers. After a long flight from Europe to Qingdao to join Zhejiang Greentown, he appeared gloomy. But after starting in the match against Qingdao West Coast, he immediately regained his momentum. After all, Ilie’s words on his neck and in his heart constantly remind him—“Never forget to enjoy the game.”

During his recent return for the European World Cup qualifiers, Mitriță told Romanian media he hopes to renew his contract with Zhejiang Greentown, saying, “As long as the club offers a renewal, I will accept without hesitation!” In fact, his contract with the new club does not expire for another three years. Could it be that at 30, he sees Hangzhou as the final stop in his career?

He candidly admitted he has such thoughts. Moreover, after three months at the club, this idea has become firmer. “I’m not used to expressing this kind of attitude verbally, but I really feel very good at this club,” he said. “My teammates, coaches, everyone in the club including management, and the fans in Zhejiang are all very friendly and wonderful. From the moment I arrived, people warmly welcomed and greatly helped me. I look forward to experiencing more beautiful moments here with them.”

On June 17, rumors about Mitriță’s transfer to Zhejiang Greentown surfaced online, and the transfer was confirmed by Transfermarkt that same night; on the 23rd, the club officially announced his signing on the first day of the CSL summer window; on the 25th, he made his debut, scoring two goals and providing one assist in just one half, helping the team to a commanding away victory over Qingdao Hainiu, and was named the official CSL Player of the Round. Both his signing and debut demonstrated remarkable efficiency.

He said, “It took me only four or five days from arriving in China to playing my first match. I could see the close cooperation among the club’s competition, logistics, and publicity departments, which efficiently helped me join the team smoothly.” His impressive performance in Qingdao won over the fans, and the applause in the locker room reflected both his teammates’ recognition of his ability and the club’s strong support for him.

“It makes me very happy that my debut satisfied everyone. I hope to score more goals and provide more assists in future matches, but most importantly, to help the team achieve more victories.” Mitriță is full of expectations for his future at Zhejiang Greentown. To help this season’s highest-valued foreign player integrate smoothly, the club prepared extensively. Before his arrival in Hangzhou, staff created introductory materials covering club history, team composition, tactical style, and even the city’s scenery and living guide. Before meeting the team, all training and match gear was already placed in his hotel room. These meticulous efforts are to ensure this key new signing’s fighting strength and eliminate any worries.

After joining Zhejiang Greentown, coach Caneda positioned him on the left wing, allowing him to both deliver crosses and cut inside to shoot. He also handles all set pieces from the left flank. It seems like a role and playing style tailor-made for him. “Caneda is an experienced and excellent coach. As a player, I naturally follow his tactical ideas and requirements. He also gives me many suggestions, so our cooperation is very good,” he said.

Since joining, Mitriță has communicated well with his teammates, believing this is “very important for building a united atmosphere.” Although Wang Yudong is 12 years younger and their English communication is not fluent, as fellow attackers, they have a natural connection. “Wang has great potential and will definitely become an excellent player. Although still young, he is already an important part of our whole team, just like the others.” He added, “To play well as a team, we must always think and act as one.” The scenes of Mitriță assisting Wang’s goals will likely continue in the CSL.

Besides his strike partner, the easy-going Mitriță also shares relaxed and happy moments with teammates who get fewer chances. Since his birthday is February 8, he considers 2 and 8 lucky numbers and likes wearing the number 28 jersey. When he first met the team, new teammate Yue Xin wearing 28 joked, “Do you want my number?” Mitriță laughed and said, “I know, brother, this number belongs to you here.” They smiled and embraced.

Before leaving his mother club Universitatea Craiova to join Zhejiang Greentown, Mitriță, like other Romanians interested in the CSL, sought advice from national team captain and CSL veteran Stanciu. Thanks to Stanciu’s candid advice, he “chose Zhejiang and came to Hangzhou.”

As one of the most successful top foreign players in the CSL in recent years, Stanciu was instrumental in Wuhan Three Towns winning the CSL title. After returning to Europe, he played in Serie A and had a standout performance at Euro 2024. Stanciu is not only part of the reason Mitriță, a current Romanian international, joined the CSL but also clearly his best role model to learn from.

“There are many excellent foreign players in the CSL, including Stanciu’s great career in China and currently Tudorie and Burcă,” he said. “The CSL is a very competitive league. When we perform well here, the national team naturally notices and calls us up.”

Mitriță has publicly stated his goal is to become the best player in the CSL. His impressive stats of 8 goals and 4 assists in 11 matches indicate good progress toward that target. “Yes, I’m happy with the good numbers, but I care more about the team’s performance and results. As long as the team plays well in every match, each player’s performance and stats will naturally be good.”

Currently, Zhejiang Greentown ranks seventh in the CSL but has recorded a win and a draw in the last two rounds, striving hard for a top-five finish. Mitriță was injured and substituted early in the previous round but fully recovered to play the entire latest match, demonstrating the team’s firm progress toward its goals.

“I’m not used to empty talk about goals; I focus on the real challenges and matches ahead,” he said. Having performed well in the away game against Qingdao West Coast, what he needs most now is to play well game by game. “Winning every match is always our aim,” he emphasized.

Although they couldn’t take three points in the away game at Changchun, Mitriță’s attitude and performance have boosted confidence among the team and fans. He said, “This season, we definitely want to earn more points and higher rankings, continuously improve ourselves, and strengthen the whole team. We will surely become stronger and might even have a chance to compete for the league title.” On the 22nd, Mitriță announced his retirement from the national team, meaning he will devote more energy to his club and family.

Wearing Zhejiang Greentown’s number 20, Mitriță’s fondness for 28 has another reason: his daughter was born on August 2 when he was 28. “When I found out I couldn’t choose number 28, I picked 20 instead, hoping this number would also bring energy and luck to my family.”

Family is also one of his most important sources of strength. Nearly half the content on Mitriță’s social media accounts features photos with his family. Whether at work or in life, as he says, “Family comes first for me because they give me strength.” He has two signature celebration gestures: one is bending his arms upward and sticking out his tongue to show power and dominance; the other is making a heart sign to send love to his family, revealing his gentle side.

“My wife and I have known each other since we were five years old. We lived in the same community, grew up together, and eventually married. Whether I played in Europe, America, or Asia, regardless of how smooth my career was, my wife has always been by my side,” Mitriță said. “So, after scoring, I want her to see my love for her. After my CSL debut goal, my wife saw the heart gesture I made for her on screen.” His eyes filled with tenderness and affection when recalling their childhood friendship.

“I always prioritize my family’s opinions.” When facing multiple offers worldwide, including from Zhejiang Greentown, his family’s views were decisive in his choice. “I’m waiting for my family to come to Hangzhou. My wife and children are very eager to come to China and have already planned a long list of travel destinations. Before deciding to play in the CSL, we discussed and agreed that living in China is the best choice for our children.”

He said that before deciding to come to Hangzhou, Zhejiang Greentown not only offered a contract but also introduced him to Zhejiang Province and Hangzhou City, highlighting “rapid economic development, convenient commerce and transportation, scenic oriental landscapes, and good education, which make my family and me very excited. My wife and children are really looking forward to coming to China.” The club also considered his family’s needs, including scouting housing and contacting international schools.

Mitriță has personally experienced Hangzhou’s prosperity and convenience, a lifestyle completely different from Bucharest and Craiova. Except for the warmer weather, he finds everything here excellent. He frequently picks up his phone to take photos to share with his family, whether it’s the crowds in the mall, flowers on the overpass, celebrations on the team bus after a victory, or his new haircut, he promptly shares these new experiences with his loved ones.

If all goes well, achieving both career and family fulfillment in his favorite city, Hangzhou could very well become the place where Mitriță plays until retirement. He said that if any Chinese teammates or friends want to visit his hometown, he would be happy to act as a guide. “Romania is a beautiful country with many famous sights worth visiting.”

(Contributions to this article were also made by Mr. Xu Haoqian and Mr. Tang Mingming of Zhejiang Greentown)