Vlad Chiricheș rejects FCSB sporting director role after retirement

Vlad Chiricheș has refused an offer to remain at FCSB as sporting director. The club made the proposal through general manager Mihai Stoica after Chiricheș ended his playing career. Chiricheș stated that he does not see himself as suitable for a sporting director role. He explained that he does not want an administrative position within the club structure.

The Romanian Football Federation introduced a rule making it mandatory for clubs to have a qualified person as sports director starting with the 2025-2026 season. This regulatory change created the context for FCSB to seek a candidate for the position. Stoica confirmed that he offered the job to Chiricheș, but the former defender declined the opportunity.

Chiricheș is 36 years old and ended his professional football career in the summer of 2026. He returned to FCSB three years prior to October 2026, joining the club in the summer of 2023. During this second stint, he helped the team win two league titles and reach the round of 16 in the Europa League.

The defender won a total of seven trophies with FCSB across his time at the club. His honours include two Romanian league titles and two Romanian Super Cups during his recent return. He was also a champion with the team in 2013 and 2014 during his first period with the Bucharest side.

Chiricheș told Orange Sport that his years at FCSB were beautiful despite the ending. He stated that he does not regret returning to the club, even though he felt the treatment by owner Gigi Becali was difficult. He noted that his last stint at FCSB did not end as he had wished.

FCSB did not propose a retirement match for Chiricheș, according to the player. He mentioned that he is considering organizing such an event himself. The club previously earned 9.5 million euros from his transfer to Tottenham in 2013.

Chiricheș has 78 caps for the Romania national team. He served as captain starting in 2016 and led the side at Euro 2016. He was named Romanian Footballer of the Year in 2013, the same year he moved to the English Premier League.