Liță Dumitru open to Chiajna stadium renaming proposal

Former Romanian footballer Liță Dumitru has indicated he would welcome the renaming of the Concordia stadium in Chiajna after him. ProSport reported that the venue, currently known as Concordia, could be named after the 76-year-old in the near future. Dumitru stated he would be happy if a stadium carried his name, noting that even airplanes now bear names.

During an appearance on the EXCLUSIV FCSB programme, Dumitru addressed the speculation. He suggested that Mircea Minea, the mayor of Chiajna, may have considered the idea, though Dumitru clarified that he does not propose it himself. The former midfielder expressed gratitude to Minea for significant assistance provided to him, particularly in the recent period.

Dumitru highlighted his deep connection to the Ilfov county locality where he was born. He observed the dramatic demographic shift in Chiajna over the last three decades, noting the population has risen from 5,000 residents to 150,000. He remarked that areas previously filled with cornfields are now covered in blocks, and asserted that no other personality in the town surpasses his own relevance.

The discussion also touched on broader recognition for Romanian football figures. Dumitru supported the concept of naming major stadiums after prominent figures, citing Anghel Iordănescu’s stadium in Voluntari as a precedent. He described Mircea Lucescu as the greatest Romanian coach and agreed that both Lucescu and himself deserve such honours, while lamenting a perceived decline in future glories for Romanian football.

Dumitru’s career statistics underscore his standing in the sport. He played 442 matches and scored 64 goals in the first league. His tenure at Steaua included 213 appearances and 47 goals, contributing to two league titles and three Romanian Cups. His professional path also included spells at Rapid, Politehnica Timișoara, Universitatea Craiova, CFR Timișoara and Wurzburger Kickers in Germany.