Constantin Budescu

Constantin Valentin Budescu (Romanian pronunciation: [konstanˈtin valenˈtin buˈdesku]; born 19 February 1989) is a Romanian professional footballer who plays mainly as an attacking midfielder for Astra Giurgiu.

Constantin Budescu
Budescu at a press conference with Romania in 2015
Personal information
Full name Constantin Valentin Budescu
Date of birth (1989-02-19) 19 February 1989
Place of birth Manasia, Romania
Height 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
Playing position(s)
Attacking midfielder / Forward
Club information
Current team
 Astra Giurgiu
Number 50
Youth career
2001–2003 Rapid Sălciile
2003–2005 Petrolul Ploiești
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2005–2011 Petrolul Ploiești 151 (41)
2011–2016 Astra Giurgiu 115 (43)
2016 Dalian Yifang 4 (0)
2017 Astra Giurgiu 27 (6)
2017–2018 FCSB 27 (9)
2018–2019 Al-Shabab 22 (7)
2019– Astra Giurgiu 14 (6)
National team‡
2015– Romania 13 (5)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 22 December 2019
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 7 September 2018

He began his senior career at Petrolul Ploiești, amassing over 150 appearances throughout the course of six seasons before transferring to Astra Ploiești in 2011. With the latter club, which relocated to Giurgiu, he won one Cupa României and one Supercupa României, both in 2014. He had a brief spell with Chinese team Dalian Yifang in early 2016, returned to Astra and then signed for FCSB in June 2017.

Club career

Early years / Petrolul Ploiești

Budescu was born in Manasia, a commune near Urziceni in Ialomița County. At the age of 12, with his first team Rapid Sălciile, he once scored "13 goals in one match".[1]

In 2007, Budescu made his debut in Liga II for Petrolul Ploiești whilst still a junior player. Gradually, he imposed himself as a regular first-team member, eventually catching the eye of Rapid București, Politehnica Timișoara and FC Brașov.

In 2009, following the transfer of Laurențiu Marinescu to Unirea Urziceni, Budescu took over the number 10 jersey.

Astra Giurgiu

In the 2011 summer, Budescu signed a contract with cross-town rivals Astra Ploiești, later relocated and renamed Astra Giurgiu. On 21 July 2013, he scored his first hat-trick in Liga I, in the 4–0 away win against Viitorul Constanța.[2] Four days later, during their first ever appearance in the UEFA Europa League, he netted twice in a 2–1 success at Omonia as his team played 30 minutes with one player less and qualified to the third round;[3] due to his exploits, he was dubbed the "Hero of Nicosia".[4]

On 21 August 2014, Budescu scored a penalty against French side Lyon in the first leg of the Europa League play-off (2–1 away win, qualification on the away goals rule).[5] On 6 August of the following year, in the same competition but in the third qualifying round, his second leg brace helped defeat West Ham United 2–1 at home[6] and 4–3 on aggregate.

Dalian Yifang

In January 2016, Astra rejected an offer from Steaua București for Budescu.[7] The following month he signed a three-year contract with China League One club Dalian Yifang for an undisclosed fee, with a salary worth €3 million plus €500,000 upon signature.[8]

Budescu was loaned to his previous club in August 2016,[9] being released by the Asians the following January.[10]

Return to Astra

On 26 January 2017, Budescu chose to stay once again with Astra Giurgiu, joining on a one-and-a-half-year contract.[11][12] On 16 February, he netted a goal against Genk in a 2–2 Europa League round of 32 home draw.[13]

FCSB

On 10 June 2017, FCSB activated Budescu's release clause.[14][15] He subsequently signed a four-year deal with the club, being assigned the number 11 shirt.[16]

Budescu scored on his debut on 16 July 2017, in a 2–1 home victory against FC Voluntari.[17] He again found the net nine days later, converting a free kick in a Champions League third qualifying round home draw to Viktoria Plzeň;[18] on 20 December, he was announced by the Gazeta Sporturilor newspaper as the winner of the 2017 Romanian Footballer of the Year award.[19]

On 15 February 2018, Budescu offered an assist as Harlem Gnohéré scored the only goal of a Europa League round of 32 first leg match with Lazio.[20]

Al-Shabab

On 28 June 2018, Budescu penned a three-year deal with Saudi Professional League team Al-Shabab for a reported transfer fee of €2.5 million,[21][22] rejoining his former Astra coach Marius Șumudică.

Third return to Astra

On 19th of August 2019, Astra owner Ioan Niculae confirmed the return of the 30 year old player, signing a contract on two years.

International career

Budescu played an unofficial match for Romania B in a 1–4 friendly defeat against Poland, in February 2013. His debut for the full side was made two years later, as he came on as a 78th-minute substitute in a 0–0 away draw against Hungary for the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers.[23][24]

On 11 October 2015, Budescu scored a brace against Faroe Islands, helping the country achieve qualification by finishing second in the group one point behind Northern Ireland.[25][26]

Style of play

Budescu is regarded as a creative player, with exceptional free kick skills as well as accurate long shots. However, he has also been criticized for his lack of work rate.[27]

Personal life

Budescu is nicknamed "Sărmăluță", due to his weakness for traditional food.[28] In October 2014, he married Mădălina in Ploiești, with former footballer Dănuț Coman acting as best man.[29]

Career statistics

Club
As of 16 November 2019[30]
Club Season League Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Petrolul Ploiești
2005–06 14410–––154
2006–07 327––––327
2007–08 3410––––3410
2008–09 27631–––307
2009–10 327––––327
2010–11 12722–––149
Total 1514163––––––15744
Astra Giurgiu
2010–11 60––––60
2011–12 9000–––90
2012–13 261253–––3115
2013–14 281364–74–4121
2014–15 28100031101104212
2015–16 188211063–2712
2016–17 276541182–4113
2019–20 96100000–106
Total 1515519125231101020779
Dalian Yifang
2016 40––––40
FCSB
2017–18 27910–94–3713
Al-Shabab
2018–19 22721–––248
Career Total 355112281652401410429144

International
As of 7 September 2018[31]
National teamYearAppsGoals
Romania 201552
201600
201742
201841
201900
Total135

International goals
As of 31 May 2018 (Romania score listed first, score column indicates score after each Budescu goal)[31]
#DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.11 October 2015Tórsvøllur, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands Faroe Islands1–03–0UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying
2.2–0
3.5 October 2017Ilie Oană, Ploiești, Romania Kazakhstan1–03–12018 FIFA World Cup qualification
4.2–0
5.31 May 2018Sportzentrum Graz-Weinzödl, Graz, Austria Chile3–23–2Friendly

Honours

Club

Astra Giurgiu[30]

Individual

References
  1. "Budescu, golgheterul crescut cu mici şi sarmale" [Budescu, the goalscorer raised with mici and sarmale] (in Romanian). Click. 22 July 2013. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  2. "Viitorul Constanța-Astra Giurgiu live text" (in Romanian). ProSport. 21 July 2013. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  3. "Omonia 1–2 Astra". UEFA. 25 July 2013. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  4. "VIDEO Budescu Show! Atacantul Astrei a eliminat-o pe Omonia cu o dublă de senzaţie, 2–1" [VIDEO Budescu Show! Astra's attacking midfielder eliminated Omonia with double exciter, 2–1]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 27 July 2013. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  5. "Lyon 1–2 Astra". UEFA. 21 August 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  6. "Astra Giurgiu 2–1 West Ham". BBC Sport. 6 August 2015. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  7. "Oficial! Budescu e "chinez", cu acte-n regulă! Prima reactie" [Official! Budescu is "Chinese", black in white! First reactions] (in Romanian). Fanatik. 2 February 2016. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
  8. "Budescu a semnat cu Dalian Yifang, în prezenţa miliardarului Wang Jianlin. Detaliile" [Budescu signed with Dalian Yifang, in the presence billionaire Wang Jianlin. Details] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 2 February 2016. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
  9. "E gata! Budescu este, până în iarnă, jucătorul Astrei" [Done deal! Budescu is Astra's player until winter] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 23 August 2016. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  10. "Budescu și-a reziliat contractul cu chinezii. Becali îl așteaptă la Steaua, Șumi trage să rămână. Astra vrea doi atacanți" [Budescu terminated his contract with the Chinese. Becali expects him at Steaua, Șumi wants him to stay. Astra is looking for two forwards]. Libertatea (in Romanian). 11 January 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  11. "Budescu rămâne astrist!" [Budescu stays an astrist]. FC Astra Giurgiu. 27 January 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  12. "Budescu a semnat cu Astra. Detaliile contractului" [Budescu signed with Astra. Details of the contract]. Digi Sport. 26 January 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  13. "Capodoperă a Astrei cu Genk! Budescu a marcat un supergol, servit perfect de Teixeira" [Masterpiece for Astra against Genk! Budescu scored a wonder goal, after a perfect assist from Teixeira]. Gazeta Sporturilor. 16 February 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  14. "Budescu a semnat pe 4 ani cu FCSB" [Budescu signed a four-year contract with FCSB] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 10 June 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
  15. "Budescu a semnat pe 4 ani cu Steaua: "De doi ani ma tot suna domnul Becali, am cedat!" Prima declaratie dupa ce a semnat" [Budescu signed a four-year deal with Steaua: "Mr. Becali has been calling me for two years, I gave up!" His first words after signing] (in Romanian). Sport.ro. 10 June 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
  16. "Bine ai venit, Constantin Budescu!" [Welcome, Constantin Budescu!] (in Romanian). Steaua București. 10 June 2017. Retrieved 10 June 2017.
  17. "Debut perfect al lui Budescu! A marcat la primul meci oficial pentru FCSB și a fost aproape de un gol direct din corner" [Perfect debut for Budescu! He scored on his first official match for FCSB and was close to hitting the target directly from a corner kick] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 16 July 2017. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  18. "FCSB 2–2 Plzeň". UEFA. 25 July 2017. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  19. "SUPERLATIVELE GSP 2017 » INTERVIU EXCLUSIV. Constantin Budescu, fotbalistul anului în România: "Daum nu m-a selecţionat fiindcă avea alte criterii, nu doar fotbalistice"" [GSP SUPERLATIVES 2017 » EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW. Constantin Budescu, footballer of the year in Romania: "Daum didn't pick me up because of other reasons than those related to football"]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 20 December 2017. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  20. "FCSB 1–0 Lazio". UEFA. 15 February 2018. Retrieved 16 February 2018.
  21. "Al Shabab has officially signed a professional contract with the Romanian national team player Constantin #Budescu for three years". Al Shabab Saudi FC on Twitter. 28 June 2018. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  22. "OFICIAL Transfer BOMBĂ joi seară! Budescu pleacă de la FCSB » Gigi Becali a confirmat și a dezvăluit suma transferului" [OFFICIAL AMAZING transfer on Thursday evening! Budescu leaves FCSB » Gigi Becali confirmed and revealed the transfer fee]. Gazeta Sporturilor. 28 June 2018. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  23. "Hungary and Romania draw a blank in Budapest". UEFA. 4 September 2015. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  24. "Budescu a debutat oficial la națională și a avut un șut periculos. 'Sunt bucuros!'" [Budescu made his official national team debut and had a dangerous shot. "I'm happy!"] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 5 September 2015. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  25. "Romania beat Faroe Islands to reach finals". UEFA. 11 October 2015. Retrieved 11 October 2015.
  26. "Budescu, omul meciului, cu o dublă: "Nu eu am calificat echipa!"" [Budescu, man of the match, with a brace: "It was not me who qualified the team!"] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. 11 October 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
  27. ""Nu e suficient sa bati doar loviturile libere!" Ce trebuie sa mai faca Budescu daca vrea sa fie chemat in final la nationala" ["It's not enough to take free kicks!" What Budescu needs to do to get to the national team] (in Romanian). Sport.ro. 15 August 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  28. ""Sărmăluță" Budescu, spaima cântarului" ["Sărmăluță" Budescu, the dread of the weighing] (in Romanian). Ziare. 29 December 2013. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  29. "Budescu a semnat contractul vieții! Atacantul Astrei s-a căsătorit la Ploiești" [Budescu signed the contract of his life! The Astra attacker married in Ploiești] (in Romanian). Look TV. 12 October 2014. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  30. Constantin Budescu at Soccerway
  31. "Constantin Budescu". European Football. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  32. "Fotbalistul lunii – Iulie 2015" [Player of the Month – July 2015] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. July 2015. Archived from the original on 6 October 2017. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  33. "Fotbalistul lunii – August 2015" [Player of the Month – August 2015] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. August 2015. Archived from the original on 6 October 2017. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  34. "Fotbalistul lunii – Decembrie 2016" [Player of the Month – December 2016] (in Romanian). Digi Sport. December 2016. Archived from the original on 2 August 2017. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
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