Cristi Irimia, a former player for Rapid Bucharest and Dinamo Bucharest, has not given up football even at 45 years old. He made his debut on Sunday for Viitorul Cosminele in the Prahova county championship, a step down from the top-flight clubs he once represented. The debut, however, did not go as planned, as his new team lost to a penalty awarded in the final moments of the match, a decision Irimia described as invented.
Irimia, who also impressed during his time at Sportul Studențesc, was brought in to add experience to the Viitorul Cosminele side. The match was decided in the 95th minute when the referee awarded a penalty against his team, allowing the opposition to snatch all three points. Speaking after the game, Irimia did not hide his frustration, saying: «They beat us in the 95th minute from an invented penalty!» The result means Viitorul Cosminele started their campaign with a defeat despite the presence of the seasoned campaigner in their lineup.
At 45, Irimia remains a recognizable figure in Romanian football, having built a career that included stints at some of the country's most prominent clubs. His move to the county league reflects a broader trend of former professionals extending their playing days in lower-tier competitions, where their experience can still make a difference. For Irimia, the passion for the game appears undiminished, even as the stage has changed dramatically from the packed stadiums of Bucharest to the more modest settings of Prahova's regional football.
The defeat, while disappointing, is unlikely to deter Irimia from continuing. His presence alone raises the profile of Viitorul Cosminele, and his leadership on the pitch could prove valuable as the season progresses. The club will hope that the controversial penalty decision does not set the tone for the rest of their campaign, and that Irimia's influence will translate into better results in the coming weeks.
Irimia's career has been marked by versatility and resilience, qualities he now brings to a team eager to benefit from his know-how. While the county championship lacks the intensity and scrutiny of the top divisions, it offers Irimia the chance to keep playing the sport he loves. His debut may have ended in frustration, but the former Rapid and Dinamo man shows no signs of hanging up his boots just yet.