The Romanian Under-21 international became one of the priciest signings in Estrela's history, yet he refuses to be defined by that tag. In a conversation with Flashscore, the winger discussed his adjustment to Portuguese football and the distinctions he has noticed in Liga Portugal, a league where he already has a favorite player.

Flashscore: You recently attended a training camp in Spain. How was it?

Stoica: "It was a productive few days, helping us prepare for the match against Sporting. We were in Spain, performed well, boosted our confidence, and we're continuing to build until the next game."

You scored againstValladolid...

"Yes, scoring was important for my confidence, as well as earning the trust of the coach and teammates. I was very happy to score, especially since we won a trophy. It's a friendly trophy, but it matters to us because it shows we are on the right path.

How has your adaptation to the country and your experience at Estrela da Amadora been?

"The first three weeks were challenging because I had to understand many things and how everything works, but now I can say the people here are very kind, the football is high quality, and I feel at home. I don't feel any different whether I'm at home or here. It's the same for me."

What surprised you the most? Who helped you adapt the most?

"Everyone. This group is special. Everyone supports each other. From the beginning, I felt supported, not only because I scored or due to results but because of this strong team spirit. I want to thank them for that.

"People here put their heart into the club"

Estrela is a club with a strong identity, loyal supporters, and a stadium that often challenges visiting teams. How have you handled that level of expectation and the fans' passion?

"When we lose, the fans feel it deeply, but they keep supporting us. People here put a lot of heart into the club. I really appreciate that. At home matches, they are like an extra player on the field. It motivates me greatly to win because I want to make them happy."

The season started tough. There’s already been a coaching change and the team was eliminated from the Portuguese Cup, but recent games have shown improvement. How can the team convert that into results?

"With the new coach (João Nuno), we are on the right track. Everyone is giving their all to help the team. We are working to fix all issues with him and reach our best form as soon as possible."

You came off the bench and scored the goal that earned the team its first league points on your debut (against Estoril). How did that make you feel?

"I felt many emotions because everything was new: the stadium, the football, the first match. When I came on, I just focused on doing my best. I concentrated on playing well, and scoring gave me confidence. Starting like that was very positive, and whether on the bench or starting, I hope to keep helping the team."

"I had an offer from Turkey, but Estrela came along"

You have started some matches but mostly come on as a substitute. What do you think you need to do to secure a spot in the starting lineup?

"The coach knows what’s best for me. I come from a different football background, so maybe I need time to adapt and learn how things operate here. He’s very supportive and helps me a lot. Whenever I get the chance, I try to give my best."

It’s still early, but what are your impressions of Portuguese football, the league, the clubs, the players, and Portugal overall?

"It’s very good football and quite physical. I expected it to be more like Spanish football, but after arriving, I realized it’s different—in a positive way. The players are very skilled, and every match is tough, whether against the lowest-ranked or top teams."

Before joining, did you know anything about the league or Estrela da Amadora? How did the transfer happen?

"I had to choose between going to Turkey, since I had an offer, or coming here. But when Estrela showed interest, I made my decision. I chose Estrela because it’s a beautiful club with a rich history, and it’s a great honor to be here."

Did you consult anyone familiar with Estrela before accepting the offer?

"No. I searched online, and everything I found was positive, showing the club is of a good standard."

You were one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history. How have you handled that responsibility, and what role do you see yourself playing in the team?

"It’s a big responsibility. I try to do my best and make people happy. At my previous club, I was also the most expensive transfer, so I already know how to handle that pressure. I trust the coach’s decisions and give my all, whether I play a minute or the full match."

And do you feel pressured?

"No, I don’t."

"My favorite player is Zalazar"

Among the squad, were there players who impressed you most upon arrival with their quality?

"Not just one. We have many talented players. I watch what others do well to imitate and learn so we can perform better as a team."

Names likeSidny Cabral, for example, who is having an outstanding season?

"Yes, he’s a very good player, but we also have Renan, Jovan, Schappo, Kikas... many great players. It’s not just one."

And in the Portuguese league, any opponents that stood out to you?

"There are many good players, but my favorite is Zalazar, from SC Braga."

"I didn’t want to debut and then stop progressing"

Reflecting on your early years in Romania: you made your professional debut at 15 and even scored in that first match. How do you recall those initial months and starting so young?

"Starting so young brings pressure because many players debut at 16 or 17 and then fade away. I tried to take things step by step, make the right choices, and reach a good level. I didn’t want to debut and then stop improving; I needed to work harder. With that mindset, I arrived at Estrela."

You switched clubs several times in Romania and were always regarded as one of the top talents of your generation. How have these frequent moves affected your career?

"My first club loaned me out, which is normal for young players needing playing time. The loans helped me gain experience because it’s hard to jump directly from the B team to a top club. You have to progress gradually, through the Second Division and smaller First Division clubs. The loans were beneficial."

So you believe those steps were the right ones?

"Yes. Some moves didn’t go well, but you learn from mistakes. Nobody gets it right all the time."

Do you think young players in Romania face a lot of pressure?

"We have many talented youngsters now. I believe the national team will soon be very strong. As a country, we need good results in Europe because without them, it’s hard to attract major league clubs to notice Romanian players."

Having played in both countries, what is the biggest difference between Romanian and Portuguese football? What are you learning here?

"There are many small details, but what I appreciate most is the focus on the team. Here, more emphasis is placed on collective work than on individuals."

And on the field, do you find the style different from Romanian football?

"Yes, especially tactically, but I can’t share too much because it’s confidential (laughs). But here, we work a lot on tactics. The league is more tactical and also more physical."

Your former team,Hermannstadt, has struggled this season after a strong previous year. Have you been following their results? Do you think they will recover?

"Honestly, I don’t follow much because on weekends I focus on watching matches here to learn about the league and opponents. But I believe Hermannstadt will remain in the top division without issues. Last season, we faced a similar situation, and after the first win, we climbed the table and even reached the cup final. So I think they’ll manage to stay up."

You said you watch Portuguese football on weekends. Are there any teams you particularly enjoy following?

"No. I watch the league to study opponents, especially wingers, to understand their play style and qualities, take notes, and analyze the opponents I will face."

"I don’t want people to say ‘Ianis is the best’"

You have already made 10 appearances for Romania’s Under-21s but have yet to be called to the senior team. Does that motivate you or make you impatient?

"I’m focused on my development here at Estrela. Step by step, good things will come. My goal is to perform well here, and if I get called up, I’ll be happy."

Romania will face Turkey in the World Cup play-offf final. How do you assess the team’s chances?

"I think we have a strong chance because we’ve had good results. I hope we win and qualify for the World Cup final stage."

Romania was a pleasant surprise at the European Championships a few years ago...

"Yes, and that’s another reason to believe we can reach the World Cup."

Your father, Pompiliu Stoica, was also a player and represented the national team. What role has he played in your career, and how has he influenced you on and off the pitch? Has he been with you in Portugal?

"Not yet, but he’s coming soon. He works in Romania and runs a football school. He doesn’t give me tactical advice but supports me with encouragement and positive words. He never tells me ‘do it this way’ or ‘shoot there.’ He supports me as a father. In Romania, he gave more advice, but here he trusts my process. Now he offers personal advice, telling me to stay focused, respect everyone, and sometimes do extra training, but nothing tactical."

Finally, what are your main goals, personally and with Estrela? And what would you like people in Portugal to say about you at the end of the season?

"I want to help the team. I’m not focused on myself right now. In the end, I want people to say I’m a good player who contributed to the team. I don’t want them to say ‘Ianis is the best’ or something like that."

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