Bucharest:<Text>

Gheorghe Hagi, a former star player for Romania, has been appointed as the head coach of Romania's national football team, as announced by Razvan Burleanu, the President of the Romanian Football Federation (FRF). Hagi has signed a contract valid for the next four years, with the primary objective of qualifying the national team for the 2028 European Championship, set to be held in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Burleanu expressed confidence in Hagi's leadership and emphasized the importance of winning the upcoming match. The four-year contract also aims for success in the Nations League, which offers a potential World Cup qualifying play-off opportunity. Burleanu highlighted the importance of winning each match as an intermediate goal.

Mihai Stoichita, the FRF technical director, stated that choosing Hagi as the head coach was a natural decision. Stoichita expressed hope that Hagi would repl icate the success he had as a player in his role as a coach, bringing joy to the national team.

Hagi, officially appointed on Monday, expressed that it is an honor and responsibility to represent Romania again. He was the top candidate on the shortlist proposed by the FRF Technical Committee. Although initially considered for the position in July 2024, Hagi was not appointed due to a conflict of interest as the majority shareholder of Farul Constanta. However, he transferred his majority stake to Gheorghe Popescu on March 16, 2026, retaining only a minor share in the club.

This marks Hagi's second tenure as national team coach, following a brief stint from September to November 2001. His first coaching role ended after Romania failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup. In his coaching career, Hagi has managed several clubs, including Bursaspor, Galatasaray, Poli Timisoara, Steaua Bucharest, FC Viitorul Constanta, and Farul Constanta, winning multiple titles and cups.</P&g t;